When Ann Leonard returned from Camp Rapahope last summer, her heart was full—and so was her imagination.
The longtime Bay County educator had just spent a week volunteering at the Mobile-based camp for children battling cancer.
Fishing, dancing, singing, swimming—every day was packed with joy. And it stuck with her.
So she shared an idea with her friend Karen McQueen: What if each camper had their own handmade quilt to take home?
McQueen, a retired teacher and longtime quilter, didn’t hesitate. “I’m in,” she said. And with that, the project took off.
A Mission Built on Thread and Heart
Over the next 90 days, McQueen rallied a team of quilters from Bay County and Fort Walton Beach. Together, they created 53 unique, twin-sized quilts.
Some were stitched with stars, others with bright blocks of color. Every one was different. Every one was made with a specific child in mind.
“I mean, anybody can sew,” McQueen said, standing in the middle of First Baptist Church in Panama City, where the quilts now draped over stair rails and pews. “We can teach you. And we’d love to have more help next year.”
With their first batch complete, the team is already working toward next year’s goal: 75 to 80 quilts for the next round of campers.
Camp Rapahope Turns Medical into Magical
Camp Rapahope isn’t a typical summer camp. It’s a free program for kids ages 7–17 who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Founded in 1985, the nonprofit provides year-round programming, but Camp Week is its biggest event.
Hosted at Camp Grace in Mobile, the week blends classic camp fun with full medical support.
Nurses, staff, and volunteers create a safe space where kids can swim, ride horses, kayak, do crafts, and feel free.
“It’s one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had,” Leonard said. “You see kids who’ve been through so much—and they’re just laughing and living.”
A Quilt Becomes Something More
The quilts serve as more than cozy keepsakes. For many kids, they’re a reminder of a moment when life slowed down, laughter returned, and they felt surrounded by care.
The project’s reach grew quickly. Teachers, church groups, and retired volunteers all pitched in. Some helped sew.
Others donated fabric or dropped off supplies. What began as a conversation between two educators quickly became a region-wide act of compassion.
Each quilt is packed and sent to Mobile with love. It’s a quiet but lasting gift—a bright symbol of support from across the Gulf.
Looking Ahead, Stitch by Stitch
Camp Week 2025 ran June 1–7, and every camper left with a handmade quilt in hand. But the story isn’t finished.
The team is already planning next year’s batch and looking for more volunteers who want to help.
Whether someone can sew, cut fabric, or just share a few yards of cotton, there’s space at the table.
Because this isn’t about making perfect quilts—it’s about making sure every kid gets a reminder that people far beyond camp are cheering them on.
Wrapped in Goodness
These quilts won’t end cancer. But they can brighten a hospital room. They can make a cold night feel better. They can turn a bed into something that feels like home.
And for one week each summer, they help turn a quiet corner of Alabama into something unforgettable.
The stitching may start in Bay County, but the warmth reaches far beyond.
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