Prayer Flags for Sarcoma

by

Sharon Anderson, MSW

LMS Research Advocate & Survivor

Thirty-two flags, one for each main sarcoma subtype, hung in front of the International Sarcoma Patient Advocate Network (iSPAN) meeting on November 19, 2005 in Boca Raton, Florida. The flags gently moved and reminded us all of the reason we were coming together to join forces. Some of us had lost loved ones to sarcoma. Others were there to support their loved one’s on-going battle. And a few of us were fighting to stay alive ourselves.

.

Figure 1: Sharon Anderson welcoming the participants to the iSPAN meeting

In the Tibetan tradition, prayer flags are hung to send wishes for well being, to celebrate an event, or in honor, sometimes remembrance of another. As the wind carries the prayer off the cloth and into the heavens, the blessings are released to benefit the one who hangs them as well as the rest of the world.

Prayer flags are a heartfelt gift to those who need health, happiness, hope and strength.

Traditionally, prayer flags are made of 100% cotton fabric, of any size or color. A simple hem along the top of each square secures it to the cord on which it is hung. Tibetan monks carved ornate wood blocks to print their messages on the fabric. You can buy authentic prayer flags, or make your own. It is common to personalize your prayer flags by writing names, dates, poems, messages, as we do on gift cards.

It is our mindful intention, compassion and loving kindness in which the flags are made, that creates the healing blessings. Hundreds of flags made of index cards taped to string by school children after the 9/11 terrorist tragedies, personalized with their own thoughts and decorations, are as powerful as any made by dedicated monks in the monasteries of Tibet.

The prayer flags I made for this event, were about 10” wide and 12 “ long. The names of the sarcoma subtypes were printed on “iron-on” transfer cloth, available at all fabric or craft stores. 

The most challenging part of making these flags was attaining the list of sarcomas. The World Health Organization (WHO) offered the most comprehensive categorization of sarcomas, but it is in the process of being re-written and updated. Several sarcoma experts were consulted, and although there was no absolute consensus, the list below best represents the main types of sarcoma tumors.

It is my hope to see more & more sarcoma prayer flags with personal messages of hope and healing hanging above in sarcoma centers, support groups, advocate meetings and fundraising/awareness events all over the world.  

V2N6 ESUN Copyright © 2005 Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative.