How To Make An American Quilt
Since its debut, GENERAL HOSPITAL has prided itself in telling socially relevant stories. But none have had as strong as an impact as its two breast cancer tales. “That was one story that I’m very proud of, especially because it was told so well and so truthfully,” recalls Leslie Charleson (Monica) of her character’s battle with the disease in 1994. “And to go outside of daytime and see the impact that the storyline had on people and on the education of breast cancer was incredible. Kids would say, ‘Thank-you. I know what to do with my mom now.’ Husbands would say, ‘I know what my wife is going through.’ “For Natalia Livingston (Emily), breast cancer awareness remains close to her heart. “It’s a very important cause to me,” shares the actress, who had a brief scare (which turned out to be nothing) years ago, and whose character successfully fought the disease last year. “I completely believe in early detection.” Charleson also has a personal tie to the illness. “At the same time as my breast cancer storyline, I was going back East a lot because my mother had breast cancer and was very sick,” she shares. “It was a very tough time.”
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), Livingston, Charleson and other daytime celebs — GH’s Tyler Christopher (Nikolas) and Jacklyn Zeman (Bobbie) and THE VIEW’s Elizabeth Hasselbeck — have each designed a personal square which will be sewn together to create a giant quilt that will be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. “I think we have the obligation to promote breast cancer awareness,” says Charleson (Monica). “We have to do whatever we can.” That said, the actresses are thrilled to participate in the project, which is called Quilts of Inspiration. “They actually gave me the quilt square, and I got to draw on it and sign it,” Livingston explains.” I signed and designed one of the blocks with some hearts and flowers. I’m not the greatest artist in the world, so I tried to stick to the basics [laughs].”Besides the celebrity-designed squares, the Quilts of Inspiration breast cancer awareness quilt is comprised of blocks expressing positive messages for and by those affected by breast cancer. “The quilt is being designed and signed by different people all across the country,” Livingston adds. “It’s going to end up in Dallas at the end of October on THE VIEW, where it will be auctioned off to raise as much money as they can. They’re going to have an entire show dedicated to it.”Viewers were able to watch the unveiling of the quilt and the kick-off of the online auction on ABC’s THE VIEW on October 25-26.
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