April 13, 2001

Linus, the cartoon character made famous by Charles Schultz's Peanuts comic strip, never went anywhere without his beloved blanket. Now, thanks to a dedicated group of Massachusetts women, pediatric patients at the MGH won't have to either.

From left, Lynn Barberian, patient Samantha Gover and Lucy Maiullari

Project Linus is a national nonprofit organization with members who create and deliver handmade blankets to ill and traumatized children around the country. The Greater Boston Chapter was launched in February by Lynne Barberian, Kathie Interess and Lucy Maiullari. Working with MGH child life specialists Heather Peach and Kara Levoshko, the three women brought blankets to MassGeneral Hospital for Children April 7.

The visit marked two special occasions for Project Linus: the women delivered the organization's 100th blanket to a child on Ellison 18, and it was their first opportunity to deliver the blankets personally. "It was really a big deal for us," says Maiullari. "We tried to make the kids feel as comfortable as possible, and it was such a great feeling to see them so excited."

In addition to the blankets delivered on Ellison 18, Project Linus donated blankets for distribution to children throughout the hospital. The group also presented a special blanket, designed by a preschool classroom. This blanket will hang on the wall at the unit's entrance, greeting visitors with the same warmth with which it was given.

For more information about the Greater Boston Chapter of Project Linus, visit http://bostonprojectlinus.homestead.com/home.html or call (508) 566-0993.