Threads of Love

How TELAS de la Vida is comforting breast cancer patients, one stitch at a time 

When Maria Morales first walked into a TELAS de la Vida quilting gathering in 2012, she didn’t know how to quilt. “I could sew a straight line,” she laughs, “and that was enough for them to say, ‘Come on in, we’ll teach you.’” 

What she found was far more than a sewing lesson. She discovered a circle of women — volunteers bound together by fabric, tradition, and a deep commitment to giving back. 

Founded in 2011 by the late Gloria Molina and fellow quilting pioneers Evelyn Martinez and Gloria Flores, TELAS de la Vida — short for The East LA Stitchers and meaning “fabrics” in Spanish — was created to bring a Latino flair to quilting. “We wanted quilts that told our stories,” Maria says. “Patterns that reflected our culture, with fabrics showing huipiles, piñatas, or calaveras. Quilts that felt like home.” 

Over the years, their creations have traveled the globe, from Mexico City to Australia, while their philanthropic work has stayed rooted in their own neighborhoods: East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, and now Montebello. They’ve made quilts for veterans, pillowcases for foster youth, and healing art for survivors of injustice. 

This year, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, TELAS turned their attention to patients at Adventist Health White Memorial’s Cecilia Gonzalez De La Hoya Cancer Center. The group handcrafted 257 heart-shaped pillows to comfort patients recovering from breast surgeries, along with over 400 port pillows to ease the pain of chemotherapy seatbelts. 

“These aren’t just pillows,” Maria explains. “They’re little acts of love. When someone is going through cancer treatment, they’re vulnerable—physically and emotionally. We wanted them to know you matter, we see you, and you’re not alone.” 

The project came from a place of urgency and compassion. “Once we learned there was a need, we jumped in,” Maria recalls. “Most of our members are women, and many of us have friends or relatives who’ve faced breast cancer. But it’s not just about the illness — it’s about the people. It’s about standing with our community when it matters most.” 

Maria emphasizes that every stitch was made by a volunteer. “We bought some supplies, but most of it — fabric, stuffing, time — was donated by our members. Nobody gets paid. We do it because it fills our hearts.” 

Beyond the comfort these pillows bring, TELAS hopes their work inspires others to join in. “Even if you’ve never quilted before, you can help,” Maria says. “We’ll teach you. Or maybe sewing isn’t your thing — then help us deliver items, cut fabric, or connect us with groups in need. There’s a place for everyone here.” 

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us of the battles so many faces, TELAS de la Vida offers a powerful example of how art, tradition, and kindness can become a source of healing. 

Maria’s invitation is simple: “Come be part of something beautiful. The more hands we have, the more love we can send out into the world.” 

Get Involved with Adventist Health White Memorial 
At Adventist Health White Memorial, volunteers are at the heart of our mission to bring hope, healing, and compassionate care to our community. From lending your skills in sewing or crafting to donating fabric and supplies, every act of service helps us support patients and families, like those comforted by the handcrafted pillows from TELAS de la Vida. 

Your time and generosity make a direct impact on the lives of those we serve. 

Join us today: Volunteer with Adventist Health White Memorial.