Hi, I’m Patti DeFreeuw!
My husband Mike and I have been married for 45 years, and have three wonderful children and five amazing grandchildren. I am a lifelong crafter and avid knitter.
I became involved with Knitted Knockers in 2017, prior to retiring from my career as a pharmaceutical representative. A colleague and I were discussing various charity knitting opportunities, and she saw a video about Knitted Knockers on Facebook and immediately tagged me. Since both my mother and mother-in-law were breast cancer survivors, it felt like the perfect way for me to give back.
We quickly formed a group of knitters in northeast Indiana, and shortly after signing up, we were asked to become State suppliers and then collaborated with six local medical clinics. When I learned that Knitted Knockers needed someone to help with emails, I volunteered to assist. I soon realized there was an increasing need to connect medical clinics with local knitters, so I took on that role as well. The rest is history!
When asked last year if I would consider taking over Barb’s role as President and CEO of Knitted Knockers, I was initially stunned. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized it was a wonderful chance to use my skills and passions to help Knitted Knockers into its exciting next chapter.
I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us!