Port Pillows for Chemo Care Kits
Thank You, Port Pillow Makers
Your dedication and creativity are lighting up lives—one port pillow at a time. The pillows you lovingly craft are not just pieces of fabric; they are symbols of hope, comfort, and unwavering support for cancer patients during their toughest battles. We are deeply moved by your willingness to share your talent and heart with our community at Beyond Basic Needs.
Port Pillow Instructions
Materials:
- 2 pieces of 4×6 quilting cotton
- 1 piece of Velcro (3″ long, 3/4″–1″ wide) – separate into hook and loop sides
- Poly-Fil or other stuffing
- Sewing Machine
Instructions:
Prepare the First Piece:
Place the first 4×6 piece of fabric right side up.
To find the middle, fold the fabric in half hamburger-style (short side to short side), then crease it.
Attach the Velcro on the First Piece:
Take one side of your Velcro and position it in the middle of the long edge of the first fabric piece.
The Velcro should be placed right side up on the fabric.
Tip: Use clips or pins to hold the Velcro in place while you sew.
Once in place, take the opposite side of the Velcro (the other hook or loop part) place it face down and place it in the middle of the opposite long edge.
Again, clip the Velcro into place.
Sandwich the Pieces:
Place the second fabric piece right side down on top of the first piece (with Velcro). This creates a fabric sandwich.
Clip all edges together, ensuring that the Velcro is aligned.
Sew Around the Pillow:
Sew all the way around the pillow, leaving a rough 2-inch opening on one side for turning. Make sure your stitching is close to the edge (about 1/4”).
Turn the Pillow:
Carefully turn the pillow right side out through the 2-inch opening. You can use a pencil or chopstick to push out the corners for a crisp finish.
Stuff the Pillow:
Gently stuff the pillow with Poly-Fil or other stuffing, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Close the Opening:
To close the opening, fold the raw edges inward and sew a 1/8-inch seam along the edge to secure the opening.
We know that sometimes the best guidance comes from seeing each step in action. That’s why we’ve created a detailed video tutorial that walks you through every part of making your port pillow.
If you have any questions as you watch or while you’re making your pillow, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We’re here to support you every step of the way! Email [email protected]
Where to Send Your Beautiful Creations
Once you’ve finished your batch of port pillows, please securely package them and ship them to our fulfillment center at the address below:
Beyond Basic Needs
Attn: Michelle Long
11 Davis Ct.
Glen Burnie, MD 20160
Please email [email protected] with the number of pillows you’ve completed so we can update our team accordingly.
How to Receive Your Donation Receipt
Your generosity deserves recognition. To receive a donation receipt:
- Email us at [email protected] with your full name, mailing address, and the number of pillows you’ve donated.
- We will send your receipt within 3 business days.
Need a Pre-Paid Shipping Label?
We’re here to make your experience as smooth as possible:
- Email [email protected]
- Provide your contact details, the size of the box, the number of pillows, and the weight to request a label.
- You’ll receive your pre-paid shipping label via email within 48 hours.
Interested in donating supplies?
We gratefully welcome fabric, velcro, and batting donations at Beyond Basic Needs.
Please send your contributions to: Rachel Minion, c/o Beyond Basic Needs, 189 River Hill Drive, Welaka, FL 32193.
Thank you for making a difference!
Your efforts, compassion, and volunteer spirit mean the world to us and, more importantly, to every cancer patient who receives a pillow crafted with love. Thank you for being the heart and soul of Beyond Basic Needs. Together, we are creating a community where no one has to face their journey alone.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The Beyond Basic Needs Team
What is a Port Pillow?
A port pillow is a cushion designed specifically to shield the chemo port from irritation or pressure caused by a car’s seat belt. These ports are surgically implanted under the skin, often near the chest, to make the frequent administration of chemotherapy treatments easier and less invasive. While essential, the port is also a sensitive area, prone to discomfort if bumped or pressed against.
Enter the port pillow: a soft, compact cushion that attaches to the seat belt with Velcro. It forms a protective barrier, ensuring that every car ride—whether to treatment sessions, doctor’s appointments, or just a much-needed outing—is as comfortable as possible.
How the Port Pillow Inspired Beyond Basic Needs
When we first began assembling chemo care kits, the port pillow was the very first item included. Why? Because it addresses a need that’s both practical and deeply personal.
For many undergoing treatment, pain, and discomfort can feel unavoidable. The port pillow is a simple way to eliminate one source of that discomfort. It’s a reminder that small comforts can make a big difference, and that’s the ethos behind every item in our chemo care kits.
This little cushion has grown to symbolize so much more: care, empathy, and the understanding that the journey through cancer treatment shouldn’t have to be faced alone.
Why Every Kit Needs a Port Pillow
Here’s why the port pillow remains the centerpiece of Beyond Basic Needs chemo care kits:
- Daily Comfort: Car rides are inevitable, but they don’t have to be painful. A port pillow transforms this everyday experience into something manageable and even comforting.
- Practicality: Its Velcro design makes it easy to attach, adjust, and remove as needed. It’s designed with real lives in mind—simple and effective.
- A Symbol of Support: Including a port pillow in every care kit sends a message to the recipient: you are seen, you are understood, and we’ve thought of the little things that can make your day better.
- Inspiration for Others: Many recipients of our kits have shared how the port pillow has not only eased their physical discomfort but also inspired them to pass on kindness to others in their own ways. It’s a ripple effect of compassion.
More Than Just a Cushion
The port pillow may be small, but its impact is profound. It’s not just about making seat belts bearable; it’s about improving the quality of life, one thoughtful detail at a time. Beyond Basic Needs was built on the belief that no one should feel forgotten or alone during their battle with cancer. The port pillow is our way of showing that even the smallest gestures can carry the greatest meaning.
By including this essential item in every chemo care kit, we’re doing more than providing comfort—we’re delivering hope, understanding, and the assurance that someone cares. That’s the power of the port pillow, and that’s the heart of Beyond Basic Needs.