A VoiceQuilt cheers and inspires someone that is ill.

Laughter Is The Best Medicine.

Play	Recorded By	Length
	Karen's Story	1:49

At a weekend retreat with friends, Karen shared sobering news. Medical tests suggested that a tumor removed a year before had returned. She would have to undergo surgery.

As Karen shared her troubling news, friends grappled with how to support her. One volunteered to collect funny videos; another scheduled meal deliveries from neighboring families. Cynthia – who had heard about VoiceQuilt from a friend – decided to organize a VoiceQuilt of upbeat, get well messages. She was amazed at how easy and effective the process was. On Nov. 5, she e-mailed an invitation to participate to a long list of friends that Karen’s husband, Fred, had provided. Less than two weeks later, Fred downloaded a VoiceQuilt with over 100 messages into Karen’s iPod.

The night before the surgery, Fred presented Karen with the VoiceQuilt. Surprised, she began to listen to the words of encouragement and support from family and friends both near and far. She laughed, she cried and was overwhelmed with the knowledge that she didn’t have to face the upcoming ordeal alone.

“My husband and friends surprised me with a VoiceQuilt just before I went into the hospital. I was immensely touched to hear their voices, wishing me well. The calls came from as close as my neighborhood and as far away as England! My friends shared jokes, stories and memories, but mostly they sent me their prayers and best wishes for a successful outcome. Nothing could have been a more positive and personal encouragement for me to get well soon.”