Looking for a cure; `Cup Crusaders' raffling quilt for cancer walk.

Byline: Anna L. Griffin

LEOMINSTER - Judy DiBatista couldn't remember the exact date when she volunteered to make a quilt for The Cup Crusaders, a team of walkers who participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk.

"It was Friday, Sept. 14," Kathy DiRusso, captain of the team, said.

The observation drew laughter from the group of women who gathered recently to promote a raffle of that quilt. All proceeds will benefit The Cup Crusaders.

Last year, the team raised approximately $60,000 for the event. This year, their goal is $100,000.

The quilt raffle will go a long way toward helping them reach that goal.

"We will be selling tickets, $10 each, and we hope to sell 1,000 tickets," said Julie Ristuben, a member of the group. Ms. DiBatista, a breast cancer survivor, said she doesn't know if she could walk. "But I knew I could quilt and so that's what I volunteered to do to help this team out."

It was in 1991, during what is called a "baseline mammogram," that her breast cancer was discovered. A baseline mammogram is the first mammogram a woman receives and according to the American Cancer Society, it should be done between the ages of 35 and 40. She was 36 at the time and had no family history of breast cancer.

"They found cancer," she said.

"I had a mastectomy, but didn't need any further treatments."

Ms. DiBatista said she realizes that early detection saved her life. "That's why I support this team. I know how important it is - the work these groups do."

The quilt is 57 inches by 60 inches and is the "Woven Ribbon" pattern by Pine Tree Country Quilts. Ms. DiBatista did the piecing of the quilt top - meaning sewing the pieces of the quilt together.

She then gave the quilt top and the backing of the quilt to Nancy and Dan Russell of Finely Finished, Westminster. The couple has a machine that does the actual "quilting" - meaning sewing the top, batting and backing together. The Russells used a very special stitch pattern to finish the quilt.

"They were very generous in doing this for me," Ms. DiBatista said. "The design is a repeat of the breast cancer ribbon design, and on the sides of the quilt, there are roses in the breast cancer ribbon design."

The quilt will be on display at the Simonds-Sinon Regional Cancer Care Center, UMass-Memorial HealthAlliance Hospital - Burbank Campus, starting Tuesday, April 1, for two weeks. Other public displays are being scheduled.

"We have a breakfast buffet on Sunday, June 1, at Cornerstone's Restaurant. We will be displaying the quilt at that event," Ms. DiRusso said.

Those who would like to purchase tickets for the quilt may do so by using the following e-mail addresses: [e-mail] or [e-mail].

In addition, if there is any organization that would like to help in the display of the quilt - such as a senior center or library - it can use the above-listed e-mail addresses to contact organizers.

The winning ticket will be drawn in mid-June.

This year's Boston 3-Day Walk will be held in August. "Last year, it was unbelievably hot and humid," Ms. DiRusso said. "But we made it through."

The Breast Cancer 3-Day is a 60-mile, three-day walk with net proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure, to fund breast cancer research and community outreach, as well as the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund, to provide an endowment for breast cancer initiatives.

Each participant in the Breast Cancer 3-Day commits to raising at least $2,200 for the cause. Participants walk an average of 20 miles per day during each three-day event, raising awareness in communities and generating funds for research education and community outreach programs.

Information on The Cup Crusaders can be obtained by visiting the site cupcrusaders.com.

ART: PHOTO

CUTLINE: From left, Linda Posco, Judy DiBatista - who made the quilt - Kathy DiRusso and Julie Ristuben.

PHOTOG: ANNA L. GRIFFIN