Spreading Hope: The Power of Cancer Awareness

I want to thank byAnnie for giving me the opportunity to participate in this year’s annual #SewPINK Initiative Blog Hop. As someone who lost a bother in law just a year ago to bone cancer, and having lost my grandfather to lung cancer, it always makes me take a moment and ponder, wonder, remember and reflect every time the topic comes up.

At the heart of our mission, this blog hop is to bring awareness around cancer, the signs, and the importance of getting screened. Together, we can create a powerful movement—one that empowers those affected and inspires others to take proactive steps for their health.

Recognizing the early signs of cancer can make all the difference. Unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, and unusual changes in the body should never be ignored. By sharing knowledge and personal experiences, we encourage our community to listen to their bodies and seek out medical advice without delay.

Most importantly, regular screenings save lives. Early detection through timely testing means treatment begins sooner and outcomes are often far more positive. As we come together for cancer awareness, let’s champion screenings—not just for ourselves, but for our friends and families as well. Let’s keep hope alive, turn awareness into action, and make a difference. Every voice counts, and every story shared is a step toward beating cancer together.

This year, I wanted to create something to honor everyone fighting their own battle. As a fabric manufacturer — and a woman who loves all things creative — I chose soft pink tones paired with festive touches from my Sugar Plum collection to symbolize hope, love, and celebration of life to design a ribbon I call “The Gift of Hope.”

For my project, I decided to make a 12" ribbon block (you can find the pattern by Sewfinity here), without any real plan for what I would do with it—maybe a pillow or a bag to gift someone affected by breast cancer, or someone who knows a brave soul fighting the battle. As I started paper piecing my ribbon block, bit by bit, it began to take shape and brought such satisfaction. But once it was complete, I hit an unexpected challenge: how would I quilt it using my domestic machine, and truly capture the spirit behind it? That’s when inspiration struck—I realized I wanted the ribbon to look like it was shining bright. After all, those fighting breast cancer are true heroes whose courage and light shine through every day.

Here are some photos from my project:

When everything was finished, Mia suggested something perfect: why not frame the block in my sewing room? I loved the idea immediately. Not only does this serve as a constant reminder of the ongoing fight against this disease, but also stands as a beautiful testament to what we as quilters—and all creatives—can achieve when our art supports a meaningful cause.

Here is a photo of the finished project!

Whether you’re sewing for yourself, a loved one, or to raise awareness, my hope is that The Gift of Hope reminds us all to hold onto kindness, courage, and compassion.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. Remember, early detection can save lives—please make sure to get screened for cancer regularly. Taking this proactive step is one of the most important things you can do for your health and well-being. Stay informed, stay healthy, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

To the byAnnie.com team, thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to participate. It’s been such an inspiring and heartwarming experience. My pink ribbon will hang proudly on my wall—a symbol of hope and creative compassion.

With gratitude,

Lissa

Founder & President
Mia Presley Design

View more inspiring posts from the #SewPINK Blog Hop