Conversations with Patti Waldrup

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patti Waldrup. 

Hi Patti, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Early in 2012, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In July I saw that a Fb game friend had bc so I messaged her. We ‘talked’ for a week and realized we needed to talk and who better to talk to than those who were or had been there. At the end of that week, pink hugs was born. It’s a private Fb group for women with breast cancer. A safe place to ask questions, support others, or just plain vent. After 8 years we realized women not only needed help during initial treatment but also later in because of the side effects of that treatment or if they are diagnosed with Stage 4. In February of 2020, our nonprofit Pink Hugs was started. I made myself a small pink bag when I started reconstruction and decided to make them for my plastic surgeon’s reconstruction patients and also anyone, I hear of with breast cancer. I hope it puts a smile on the recipients face and lets them know they are not alone. 

Between keeping up with the Fb group, to making pink bags to the non-profit I’m a busy gal. 

It does make me feel good to see these ladies all helping each other. 

Although we have ladies in the group all over the United States and in England, we have get-togethers here in Michigan. We’ve gone to baseball games for Pink Out the Park, hockey for cancer night and football games, luncheons, travelled to Indiana to meet some of the gals there. It’s nice meeting the ladies from the group in person. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The Fb group has been great. The struggle has been with the non-profit. When you’re a person who doesn’t like to be in the limelight and now you are, it’s hard. I’m learning how to ask for help and donations. I’m learning how to be a public speaker. It’s really my own personal struggles that are a problem. Other than that, things are great. Of course, starting up the nonprofit just as the lockdown hit was a problem but we made it! 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
After my first sewing class in 7th grade, I knew sewing was something I liked to do. I made many of my clothes through high school, worked in a bridal shop during college, and learned alterations. I then altered many of my friend’s wedding gowns and made bridesmaids dresses for a few weddings. I started quilting and took off with that. I made many quilts for auctions, family members, wedding gifts, and memory quilts. I also started making memory bears and ‘birthday bears. Every cancer walk I did prior to Oink Hugs I sent a handmade gift to anyone who donated. Once I decided to make pink bags for women with breast cancer, I really felt I was giving back. 

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My drive to keep helping others. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Pinkhugs.org