MMA's “Sewing for a Cause” Team Supports Missouri Cancer Associates with Handmade Donations

MMA's “Sewing for a Cause” Team Supports Missouri Cancer Associates with Handmade Donations

Feature photo above, from left to right: Cadet Jacob Pehle, MMA teacher Mrs. Cheryl Morris, Cadet Mbaye Diagne, Cadet Cao Ong, Cadet Blake Krull, Cadet Ulis Gordon, MMA teacher Ms. Wei-Yun Chien, Cadet Braxton Phasey, and Cadet William Creighton.

Missouri Military Academy cadets are channeling their creativity and learning new skills through a heartfelt initiative to support cancer patients. Led by art teacher Cheryl Morris, the cadets have taken on the challenge of sewing thoughtful items such as port pillows, comfort bears and chemo infusion bag handle pillows, all to be donated to Missouri Cancer Associates.

Projects sewn by cadets to be donated to Missouri Cancer Associates.

This project, part of an advisory class connected to MMA’s fall community service day, unites cadets in a mission to give back, demonstrating compassion and teamwork through their contributions. 


MMA cadets sew projects to support Missouri Cancer Associates.

Below, read a message from art teacher Cheryl Morris:

Sewing Hope: Our Community Service Day Project

"I had the honor of leading a group of cadets in sewing projects aimed at supporting cancer patients. As I looked around at the smiling faces of our boys, I felt an overwhelming sense of purpose and connection.

Art teacher Cheryl Morris helps cadets sew projects for Missouri Cancer Associates.

Sewing has always been a passion of mine — a creative outlet that allows me to share warmth through fabric. When I considered what our community needed, it became clear that those facing the challenges of cancer could benefit from a little extra love and comfort. Handmade items can provide not only practical assistance but also a tangible reminder that they are not alone in their fight.

MMA cadet showcases comfort bears sewn to donate to Missouri Cancer Associates.

Each stitch we made was filled with intention. Everyone has either experienced cancer themselves or knows someone affected by it. Many individuals spend long days in treatment centers, enduring the emotional toll of a difficult journey. I believe that a simple gesture, like a handmade item, can bring warmth and solace during these challenging times. I hope our efforts can brighten someone’s day.

MMA cadets learn to sew while working on projects to donate to Missouri Cancer Associates.

After our initial sewing lesson — since most had not sewn before — we continued throughout the day. As the hours passed and skills were learned, each item was executed with increasing confidence. I could see the excitement on their faces as they completed each project, a testament to the power of collective effort.

MMA cadets learn to sew while working on projects to donate to Missouri Cancer Associates.

As we wrapped up our sewing session, I reflected on the profound impact that creativity and compassion can have in the face of adversity. Though I may not have shared my personal connection to this cause, I felt the collective spirit of caring and giving surrounding us all.

I am grateful for the cadets who participated in our sewing projects. Together, we not only created useful items but also spread hope and love to those who need it most."

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