Every patch on the quilt tells a story. There's the story of a courageous woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33.

Or the story of the 87-year-old woman who was diagnosed with cancer seven years ago, and is still alive today.

Several squares are memorials, made for loved ones who've lost the fight to breast cancer.

And then, there are Caroline Tilghman's patches -- her patches represent her faith.

Tilghman was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2005. The Cape Girardeau woman went to her doctor for a regular mammogram and what he found was breast cancer.

"My first thought was shock -- I think it's always a shock for people," Tilghman said. "Then I thought, 'OK, I have just been told I have cancer.'"

Unsure of what to do, Tilghman turned to her faith.

"I said, 'Lord, this is not good news. I'm going to need you to be with me now,'" she said.

Tilghman immediately underwent a mastectomy to remove the cancerous tumor.

"Luckily, the cancer was very small and it was contained," she said.

After her surgery, Tilghman joined a group called Turning Point ---- a seven-week program for women diagnosed with breast cancer. The program, sponsored by Southeast Missouri Hospital, features motivational and spirituality programs, exercise and cooking tips and nutritional assessments.

It was in this group Tilghman realized breast cancer affects many women like her.

It was also this group that spawned the idea of a breast cancer quilt to raise money for Turning Point and to raise awareness of breast cancer.

Mary Beth Parish of Fredericktown came up with the idea to create the quilt.

"Once you start paying attention, you realize how many cases of breast cancer occur all the time," Parish said.

Parish, who works part-time at the Sewing Basket in Cape Girardeau, started asking friends and customers to create patches for the breast cancer quilt. Very soon, more than 60 patches were created for the quilt.

All of the patches were made by residents in the Cape Girardeau area. Some were made for survivors of cancer, others were made in memory of loved ones who died from the disease.

"There are a great number of survivors on that quilt, and that's very hopeful," Parish said.

Parish sewed several of the patches ---- one is dedicated to her cousin, who was diagnosed with cancer in her mid-30s.

"The quilt is also to raise awareness of breast cancer. Even though it's recommended you get a mammogram when you turn 40, the cancer can occur in younger ages," Parish said.

Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation, which is responsible for raising donations for Turning Point, is raffling off the quilt. Tickets to win the quilt can be purchased at the foundation's office, 613 Sunset Blvd.; HealthPoint Plaza; the Regional Cancer Center at Southeast Hospital and the Sewing Basket, 2054 William St.

"Turning Point is such a wonderful venue for breast cancer patients," said Mary Burton-Hitt, executive director of the hospital's foundation. "It really helps get these women through their lives."

The quilt has a special meaning for Burton-Hitt, her mother is a breast cancer survivor.

"We are so thankful to people like Mary Beth and Caroline, and all the others involved, who have donated their time and talent to this project. This quilt will be saving the lives of other women," Burton-Hitt said.

jfreeze@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 246