Showing Their Support: WVU School of Nursing Keyser Campus students crochet caps for cancer patients

KEYSER, W.Va. — West Virginia University School of Nursing Keyser Campus students are supporting local high school student Alyson Smith’s community service project to provide gift bags to cancer patients at Potomac Valley Hospital’s new Cancer Center.

Led by Dr. Diana Niland, junior-level Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students Ashleigh Burgess, Cristin Carnell, Aslyn Didawick, and Mariah Durr crocheted caps and donated them to Alyson’s project. Mackenzie Cook chose the main crochet pattern, and along with Stacy Gallant and the other students, helped to write encouraging note cards to accompany the crocheted caps.

The participating students said it was great being part of something that makes a difference.

"It was nice to be able to something that can put a smile on someone's face, brighten their day, and add a little warmth,” Didawick said.

Cook added, "I was happy to write encouraging notes for others to help them understand that their diagnosis does not define them."

Dr. Niland noted that only one student came into the project knowing how to crochet — the others had a sharp learning curve.

“They did not let that stop them,” Niland said. “They all poured their hearts into the project and supported each other to complete it. They did such a great job.”

She said it was rewarding and encouraging to watch future nurses complete such a caring act.

“Since I first became a nurse, I have envisioned nurses getting further out into the community to offer support,” Niland said. “I feel it is the simple little things that can make the biggest impact.”

-WVU-

CONTACT: Wendy Holdren
Director of Communications and Marketing
WVU School of Nursing
304-581-1772; wendy.holdren@hsc.wvu.edu