Elderly woman spends pandemic crocheting for cancer patients

The nimble-fingered octogenarian spent her time in isolation caring for others.

This last year has been particularly frightening for the seniors among us. Yet, an octogenarian from Kansas, 88-year-old Mary Mayfield, has used her time helping others in need.

During the pandemic, Mayfield has been busy using her crocheting talents to make afghans to donate to cancer patients. With decades of experience, the great-grandmother, who lives in an assisted living apartment, has actually become a little carried away with her afghan productions.

Starting her batch of crocheting last March, she managed to make 46 beautiful creations. “I used to take them all every time I get eight, we can take them to the Cancer Action. Well, I couldn’t do that. So I can I just accumulate here. It just got more and more. They grew,” Mayfield explained to Kake.com.

The mom of nine, grandmother of 24, and great-mother of 17 misses not seeing her family. However, she happily fills her time with a project she knows will benefit others, and that she enjoys. In fact, her agile fingers are actually proving a little too speedy.

“I’m kind of trying to slow myself down because I’m going through the yarn too fast and running out …” she explained.

The crochet-loving senior said that her craft doesn’t just keep her busy, it also keeps her out of trouble — although it’s difficult to imagine what this kind-hearted, generous lady could get up to!

“I’ll keep on. As long as I keep my hands, my fingers working, I’ll do it,” Mayfield shared.

The lovingly made afghans will soon be donated to Cancer Action, a non-profit organization, once she is able to have them safely dropped off.

Mary Mayfield is one of many seniors who’ve shown their strength, resourcefulness, and kindness during the pandemic. To discover other elderly heroes, have a look at the slideshow below …

Launch the slideshow