After watching an episode of ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover, where cancer caps were delivered to children with cancer, 7th grader Kayla Murphy had an ‘extreme’ idea of her own. She decided that for her Girl Scout Silver Award project she would knit cancer caps for pediatric oncology patients being treated in the Pediatric Specialty Center at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital, and teach others how to knit in the process.
“Seeing the difference these caps can make I knew immediately that’s what I wanted to do for my Girl Scout Silver Award. I didn’t know how to knit, but started taking lessons and before I knew it I was teaching other kids how to knit,” said Kayla. Kayla’s efforts include over 100 hours of work, knitting, organizing meetings, and teaching knitting classes. In the end, Kayla was able to donate over 125 cancer caps in varying sizes and colors, for both girls and boys, to the Pediatric Specialty Center Infusion Room at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
As part of her Silver Award, Kayla taught other Girl Scouts from 3rd grade up to high school how to knit the cancer caps. In addition to knitting the caps, Kayla collected items such as books, crayons, coloring books, etc. to donate. “I know that these caps will make a difference to the kids dealing with cancer. They are going through a stressful time and I hope that it provides them with some comfort. Something like this might seem small, but it can make a big difference, just by letting them know someone cares,” said Kayla.
7th Grader Kayla Murphy Knits Cancer Caps for Pediatric Patients
The cancer caps are meant for pediatric oncology patients to wear to bed to help keep them warm. Throughout the process family and friends became involved with helping Kayla. Her parents, Dan and Beth, are very proud of her accomplishments and the time and effort she put into making the caps. “She surprised us in a wonderful way. It’s incredible what she has done. She didn’t know how to knit but that didn’t stop her. She took classes and learned, and has taught a valuable skill while helping others,” said her mother.
While working to make and donate these cancer caps to pediatric patients, Kayla not only taught others a valuable life skill, but involved them in something special. Kayla hopes to use this as a springboard to continue helping others in the future, and to continue teaching knitting classes as well. She recommends first learning how to knit for someone else, because that will make it much easier and more worthwhile in the end. “Knit with a purpose, not for yourself, but for someone who needs it,” said Kayla.