Blankets of Kindness Warm Patients During the Holidays

Every Christmas Eve morning since 2008, Moffitt Cancer Center has carried out a heartfelt tradition, ensuring that hospitalized patients feel cared for during the holiday season. The Patient and Family Advisory Program, alongside Moffitt leaders and team members, delivers cozy fleece blankets to patients who cannot be home for the holidays.

Cozy blankets, heartfelt messages and holiday spirit — each one delivered with care.

The initiative began with a simple yet powerful idea from a patient and family advisor. Having experienced the difficulty of being in the hospital during the holidays, the advisor proposed a gesture of warmth and kindness — one that evolved into the annual blanket project. Partnering with Moffitt leadership, the program has grown into a deeply cherished tradition, aligning with the cancer center’s commitment to patient- and family-centered care.

“This tradition is about more than blankets,” said Anne Bidelman, Patient and Family Advisory Program manager. “It’s about recognizing the humanity of each patient, letting them know they’re not alone, and reminding them that they’re seen and cared for as whole individuals.” 

This year, 213 blankets were distributed to inpatients and patients in Moffitt’s Acute Cancer Care Clinic. Each blanket was paired with a heartfelt  message, and in some cases, handmade cards from family members of volunteers.

“For patients, these small gestures carry immense significance. One patient expressed that the blanket felt like a Christmas miracle,” Bidelman said. “It’s not just the warmth of the fabric, but the warmth of the thought behind it that resonates deeply.”

The distribution effort is a collaborative process. Patient and Family Advisory Program advisors prepare the blankets in advance, while Moffitt leaders, advisors and team members join forces to personally deliver them.

Moffitt team members and family advisors gather to share the spirit of the season.

For many involved, the event is a cornerstone of their holiday season. “Being part of the Christmas Eve blanket distribution is the greatest gift I receive each year,” said Amy Bondon, a patient advisor. “As much as patients benefit from my presence, I gain just as much from theirs. It’s a blessing to be a bright spot for patients and their loved ones during such difficult times.”

As the blankets were delivered across Moffitt’s campuses, the message was clear: No one faces the holidays alone. The annual blanket tradition wraps patients in warmth, kindness and the spirit of hope, spreading joy one heartfelt moment at a time.

For anyone interested in contributing to the blanket project or other initiatives that enhance the patient experience at Moffitt, there are numerous ways to get involved.

Visit Moffitt.org/PFAP or email PatientAdvisors@Moffitt.org to learn more about making a difference.