Registered Nurse Tonya Moore touches her patients in many ways. In addition to providing quality care to patients in UHealth Tower’s 11 South oncology department, Moore crochets hats, blankets and scarves for those who could use a thoughtful gift to help lift up their spirits.

“I am a talker, so I get to know my patients well. I see a lot of them are struggling and alone so I like to create something special for them so they know someone cares,” said Moore.

Moore often uses bright and colorful yarn. it’s typically pink since many of her patients are battling cancer. But she also offers these gifts to patients with chronic illnesses like Lupus. She understands their pain and suffering because Tonya’s 34 year old daughter named Dominque had Lupus. After a stay at the hospital a few years ago, she died from COVID.

“I crocheted lots of items for Dominque to keep her warm since the hospital was often cold. I am still grieving her loss.”

Moore says crocheting helps her heal. She also finds some comfort in her home garden that she dedicated to her late daughter. Moore’s love for crocheting came from her grandmother. She has fond memories of her grandmother telling her to pick one of her handmade crocheted gifts out of a goodie bag every time she visited. Now, Moore wants to share that same generosity with others. In addition to giving out these free gifts to her patients, she also mails them to people she reads about on the internet who are dealing with difficult circumstances. She never charges a fee for this work because Moore considers it a labor of love.

“When I see someone wearing a hat or scarf I created, and they’re beaming, it’s so rewarding to know that I brightened their day. It’s a gesture that says someone cares and you’re not alone in your fight to survive.”