Smithtown, NY - October 18, 2018 - Lieutenant Vanessa Espinoza of the East Northport Salvation Army was moved by the work of her counterparts in South America and Asia, where mission-driven peers across the globe were gifting handcrafted “prayer pillows” for those in need of comfort. “I learned that they were making these pillows and what was so unique is that while they make them, they also pray for those that will received them,” said Lt. Espinoza.
Lt. Espinoza, along with 15 other members of the church decided to bring the same efforts to the Long Island region. After a season of cutting, sewing, stuffing, and most importantly praying, the team finished 25 pillows designed to bring comfort to those they felt needed it most—patients undergoing breast cancer treatment at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown. “This is the first year we have done this and it has been such a blessing—we hope the people receiving them are inspired with hope and find comfort knowing we are still praying for them,” said Lt. Espinoza.
The Salvation Army is an international movement, established in 1865, serving 130 countries across the globe that assists people in need without discrimination. “St. Catherine of Siena is honored to receive this very thoughtful donation, and we will ensure these beautifully crafted pillows are delivered to our patients with the same love and respect that they were made,” said St. Catherine’s Breast Health Navigator Meiling Alsen.