Hearts Ready to Serve

Every year, Relief Society sisters in Puerto Rico sew and donate hundreds of heart-shaped pillows to hospitals around the island. The cushions provide relief to breast cancer patients recovering from surgery by reducing pressure on sensitive areas of their chest.

The sisters in San Juan have been participating in the project annually since 2012. Starting as early as July, the sisters collect donations of fabric and other supplies. They construct the pillows over the next several weeks, often gathering to sew together. In October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the sisters present their donations to the hospital. Each pillow includes an uplifting message of encouragement and faith in Jesus Christ.

In some years, others have joined in the effort. In October 2012, sisters in Ponce walked to the oncology hospital in their city to raise awareness for breast cancer and to deliver pillows they had made. In 2016 the Relief Society in Vieques also constructed and donated pillows. Primary children decorated the cards included with the gifts.

Because of the sisters’ consistent service, the Oncological Hospital of San Juan knows these members are a source they can turn to when more pillows are needed. In April 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a representative from the hospital reached out to the Relief Society to ask if they had any pillows they could give. Several sisters from the San Juan stake quickly made 100 pillows to fill the hospital’s need.

Church members delivering pillows in 2019.