By J1 Reporter Emily Salzman

On Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6, Marian’s math teacher Ms. Sue Altman and science teacher Mrs. Linda Brock gave students the opportunity to show off their crafty skills with the annual project of making tie-blankets. All of the blankets made were sent to the Nebraska Medicine Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center where they were given to the cancer patients. This was the third year that the project has taken place, and Marian girls showed their dedication and hard work by making 261 blankets in just two days. 

“Having seen some of my own family members be diagnosed with cancer, I can first hand understand how difficult the time can be during Chemo. I think making the tie blankets was such an incredible idea, one I knew could help people get through a hard time in their life, and I wanted to be a part of that and give them some faith that everything would be alright!” senior Emily Saalfeld said. Saalfeld participated in the blanket-making for the first time this year. 

The supplies used to make the blankets cost about $3,200 and was funded through donations given by teachers and staff at Marian, bake sales, friends of Ms. Altman and companies owned by Marian families. 

This project is very close to both Ms. Altman and Mrs. Brock’s hearts, as they have both had loved ones who have been affected by cancer. 

“We all know people who are currently going through treatment, who have won the battle against cancer or who have lost loved ones,” Mrs. Brock said. For Mrs. Brock, it was her brother-in-law, Mark, who passed away last year after battling cancer for six months. Mark had also lost his mother and brother to cancer that same year. “Cancer is not a friend to anyone. We do what we can to help, comfort, be a friend and offer hope to those battling it,” Mrs. Brock said. 

Ms. Altman’s inspiration for this project was her daughter, who, at the time, was getting treatment at UNMC when Ms. Altman was asked if her students could make blankets for cancer patients. 

The project took place in Mrs. Brock’s classroom and had participation from students in every grade. Each day was met with enthusiasm from Marian girls to create as many blankets as possible to bring joy into the lives of those who need it most. 

The tie-blanket-making project was a huge success, and all the hard work done went toward benefitting hundreds of cancer patients.