heart pillows
Upon their initial recovery from cardiac surgery, patients are given a heart-shaped pillow. The heart pillows, a symbol of the Mended Heart organization, can assist the patients in coughing after painful surgery. Coughing to keep the lungs clear is required prior to discharge. The heart pillow helps patients brace their tender chest while coughing. Nurses issue the pillows to patients upon their return from surgery.
Mary Taylor has managed the chapters heart pillow program for many years. Last year the chapter donated over 400 heart pillows to heart patients. The Telephone Pioneers graciously support the heart pillows program by supplying the material necessary for stuffing the pillows. Chapter 119 provides the remaining materials. Mary Taylor ensures there is ample supplies availabe for members, other individuals, or local organizations to cut the hearts from patterns, add the mend, stuff the heart pillows, and sew the seams. Every few weeks Mary and her husband, Richard, take pillows to the CSICU. This process has continued since the beginning of the chapter in 1981.
