(Joplin, MO) – Like clockwork, longtime Freeman Health System volunteer Ruby Wright made the now-familiar trek to Freeman’s Maternity Center last week to drop off bits of crocheted love for Freeman’s tiniest patients.
Minutes later, the 2,000th red and white cap Wright has knitted adorned the head of Alfredo Rodriquez. A mother of two boys herself, Wright gently rocked the two-day-old infant in her arms.
“I just love doing it,” the 92-year-old said.
Since 2019, Wright has hand-crafted 2,011 caps for the boys and girls born at Freeman Hospital West, home to one of Missouri’s busiest labor and delivery and maternity centers. She completed her first baby cap in 2019. In the summer of 2023, she surged past the 1,000th cap mark, a personal goal.
“I’m happy to do it,” Wright said. Currently, she’s well on her way to her 3,000th cap. “It just gives me something to do.”
When possible, she spends several hours each night working on her caps, averaging between one and two caps per night.
“Ruby’s love and dedication are stitched into every hat she makes,” said Kalseji Reeves, Director of Maternal-Neonatal Services at Freeman. “She brings comfort to our babies and joy to our staff. We are so thankful for the light she brings to our hospital.”
Wright loves the idea that many of her infant caps will be preserved for decades inside treasured baby books.
“I’m just going to keep doing it as long as my hands will let me,” she said with a smile.
About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital, Freeman Fort Scott Hospital, Inc., and Ozark Center—the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services—as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics, and a variety of specialty services. With more than 320 physicians on staff representing more than 90 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, children’s services, women’s services, and many others for all of the Four State Area. Freeman is also involved in numerous community-based activities and sponsored events and celebrations. Additionally, in the Joplin/Pittsburg areas, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.
Reference:
Kevin McClintock
Media Relations Coordinator
Freeman Health System
Phone: 417-347-4606
KSMcclintock@freemanhealth.
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