St. Bernard’s Catholic School students worked with two confirmation students to tie blankets Tuesday, Dec. 18 for cancer patients at the Roger Maris Cancer Center. They included (from left) Rikki S., Breanna Lee, Noah M, Jaymin Klosterman and Axel C. Video is online at www.trftimes.com.

by April Scheinoha
Reporter

It’s a ripple effect that is still rippling from the Woods family, the St. Bernard’s Catholic School family and the Thief River Falls community. The tie blankets are making a difference for patients at the Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo, N.D.

On Tuesday, Dec. 18, St. Bernard’s students, Stacy Lee’s confirmation class and others tied 14 blankets. Prior to the event, Lee and her students tied 10 blankets on their own. Staff members also assembled 17 chemotherapy care kits.

Each blanket features a poem titled “Warm Thoughts” that comp

These St. Bernard’s Catholic School students worked together to tie blankets Tuesday, Dec. 18 for cancer patients at the Roger Maris Cancer Center. They included (from left) Aiden E., Oliver M., Sam R., volunteer Beth Ballard, Isaac R. and Johnny R. Video is online at www.trftimes.com.

ared love to a blanket. Each blanket also features Isaiah 41:10, which says, “So do not fear for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Money for the blankets came from the Tackle Cancer Fundraiser organized by the Todd and DeAnna Woods family. The event raised nearly $14,000 this year for cancer organizations and individuals coping with cancer. That amount includes funding provided through Give to the Max Day.

The Woodses’ 16-year-old daughter, Gracie, died of osteogenic sarcoma in 2015. The former St. Bernard’s student had ironically received a St. Bernard’s School tie blanket when she was hospitalized.

Gracie was remembered Tuesday as the students tied the blankets. Her fifth grade teacher, Cathrine DeMars, wore a picture of Gracie. Her fourth grade teacher, Laura Brickson, is now the principal of St. Bernard’s School and told the students about the guardian angel watching over them that day. She told them how Gracie inspired, helped and made a difference during her struggle.

One of Gracie’s best friends, Miss Thief River Falls Kendra Sparby, spoke about the comfort patients receive from the tie blankets while staying in th

Miss Thief River Falls Kendra Sparby spoke to St. Bernard’s Catholic School students Tuesday, Dec. 18. The students tied blankets for cancer patients. Sparby was one of the late Gracie Woods’ best friends, and her platform includes educating people on the lack of funding for childhood cancer research. Video is online at www.trftimes.com.

e hospital. After their hospital stay, the patients are able to take the blankets home.

Sparby, who has been involved in the Miss America organization for many years, supports the American Childhood Cancer Organization.

“The main thing with my platform is that I can educate people that childhood cancer doesn’t get as much funding as other types of cancer from the government, the donations that people make,” Sparby said.

Sparby has been making a difference and so, too, is St. Bernard’s School. Besides tying the blankets, the school has raised money for other charities. Fifth graders recently sold ornaments that benefit St. Mary’s Mission in Red Lake. A $250 check will be presented to the church, which was destroyed in an electrical fire last year.