In 1969 a friendship developed between myself & Paula. This friendship would see us through, marriages, divorce, re-marriage, 6 children (all girls!) the loss of a child the loss of a mother & father. In July 2005 I received a phone call that Paula's youngest daughter, Bianca, had developed A-Plastic Enema & would be undergoing a bone marrow transplant. In September 2006 I flew to Arizona to spend time with them at Tucson Medical Center, Cancer Ward. Bianca would be recovering from her surgery for several months. I wanted to bring her something "special" & made her a "Dora The Explorer" fllece blanket to keep her warm in her often cold hospital room. Paula explained the rooms are kept this way to keep the environment germ free. I had the prviledge of meeting some of the other patients & their famalies. The courage they displayed meeting the everyday challenges of their illnesses left an unforgetable impression in my mind and on my heart.

I had always wanted to do "something" for those in need to show thanks for all the blessings I have received in my life but wasn't quite sure "what" to do. The trip to Arizona sparked the idea to make blankets for children & adults with physically, mental or spiritual illnesses, the lonely, the homeless, anyone in need of warmth and comforting.

"Make bigger deposits in your "heavenly" account than your bank account" ~ Rose Crimeni

My inspiration also comes from my beloved grandparents, Rose & Nick Crimeni, who imigrated here from Italy in the early 1900's. They lived a humble "material" life but were "rich" in love for their family & friends. They never met a stranger, their home was always open to everyone and you never left without eating something. They gave to others even if it meant going without themselves. My grandparents instilled in us the meaning of caring for others & the importance of charitable acts. They are missed every single day and I do this to honor their memory.

Lorraine & Gloria Garcia deserve " big kuddos" for showing me how to make the blankets and Heather Collins for this awesome website.

Last but not least, I thank my parents MaryAnn & Art, my husband Steve for taking all the event pictures, my daughters Amanda & Jessica who are always ready to shop for material and cut the blankets, and our many friends for their love and support. Steve is a talented photographer and 10% of all his sales are donated to Bianca's Blankets. Please visit his photo gallery at froggy.smugmug.com.

I ask you to be inspired by someone or become an inspiration to others. Admire someone not "because" they are succesfull but instead what they "do with" their success! I'm inspired by Oprah Winfrey & Bono!Please join me in my desire to prove we are a caring & compassionate society. If your church, synagogue, ward, school, boy/girl scout troop or professional organization, would like to sponser a service project, please contact me at boopette99@yahoo.com. I will be happy to answer any questions & go over the details with you. Please visit our items for sale, 75% of all profits go back into Bianca's Blankets projects.

Together we can make a difference!

Thank You & God Bless!

:D

Lori Agrella