Mrs. April Steury
“I was a public school teacher for about 33 years before retiring. Since I was used to being busy, I looked for a project that I could do to help others in the community. My niece is an oncology nurse navigator at a large hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where my mother-in-law received chemo treatments for cancer. Through these women, I learned of the need for “neck” pillows to comfort patients who have to sit for long periods of time. I have been making and donating these U-shaped pillows for a little over a year. I try to make about 50 each year but hope to increase to at least 100 this year. When my daughter was a terminally ill child at Riley Children’s Hospital, we received tokens of kindness from strangers, which helped to ease our suffering. Perhaps the comfort of the pillows I create will serve to pass along this same kindness.” shared Mrs. Steury
As someone who had the privilege to learn from Mrs. Steury, having sat in her classes for three of my four years of high school, it does not surprise me at all to see that she has turned her generous spirit toward comforting those going through hard times. She was not only a phenomenal educator, but also a kind and caring person who always gave her students all the attention and encouragement they needed. It is great to see her giving spirit continuing on.