Meah Copeland, an eighth-grader at St. Joseph School in Shawnee, crochets a chemotherapy hat for cancer patients.
by Heather Nelson
heather.nelson@theleaven.org
SHAWNEE — Meah Copeland slowly and carefully guided the crochet hook as she finished the last chain. She examined her creation — a small hat. Meah smiled; the six-hour process was worth it. She had never done this before.
In her 14 years of life, Meah, an eighth-grader at St. Joseph School in Shawnee, has learned to overcome any obstacle.
Mark and Melinda Copeland adopted Meah from China when she was nearly 8 years old. Meah did not speak English and lacked formal schooling. She also has a craniofacial disorder that impacts her hearing and has required several surgeries.
“She’s done amazingly well,” Melinda said. “She’s transformed so much, and it has a lot to do with a Catholic environment.”
After learning to crochet, Meah decided to use her new skill to aid cancer patients for her Girl Scout Silver Award.
“My dad had cancer and passed away three years ago,” Meah said. “I dedicated this [project] to him.”
The project, “Make Your MARK on Cancer,” benefits adult cancer patients undergoing chemo treatments. Meah built a website to teach others how to crochet a chemotherapy hat, make a CARE package, and contact a hospital to donate to. Meah will donate 50 hats, all her own work, to the University of Kansas Cancer Center in Kansas City, Kansas.
Meah, a presenter at the state council’s competition, drew more than a little attention for her work.
“When a few people came to my table, they were amazed at what I’d done,” Meah said. “I crocheted 50 hats and made a website — they were just shocked.”
Sue Carter, principal of St. Joseph, said that Meah’s outreach is characteristic of her desire to serve — and her ability to overcome all obstacles to do so.
“Meah is a friend to everybody,” Carter said. “She’s one of the hardest workers — she never gives up.”
If there’s ever a need, said Carter, Meah recognizes it — and her compassion for others is contagious.
Meah said that she just hopes her project inspires others to assist and serve as she has.
