When Aditi Mohan first picked up a crochet hook, she never imagined it would lead her to becoming the Director of Youth for Knitted Knockers, inspiring students across the country to start their own chapters.
Today, Aditi is a medical student at the Medical College of Georgia and the founder of a thriving Youth for Knitted Knockers chapter in Augusta, Georgia. Four years after launching the group, she continues to inspire young volunteers while pursuing her dream of becoming a physician.
“Since starting our chapter in Augusta four years ago, I have been overwhelmed with the goodwill that this community has to offer,” Aditi shares. “Our chapter has grown in ways that I would have never imagined, and I am so proud of all our members for their hard work and kindness. I am so grateful to everyone at the Georgia Cancer Center for their support, and through our partnership, I hope that we can continue to reach more people. Knitted Knockers have shown me the healing power that empathy can have, especially to those that need it most.”
Every Expert Starts Somewhere
Like so many of our volunteers, Aditi’s first Knitted Knocker wasn’t exactly picture-perfect.
“I remember my first knocker turned out horrible! I couldn’t figure out how to decrease it correctly, making it look like a sock. It was so silly, and I think it is still in my closet at home.”
Instead of giving up, she kept practicing.
“After a few tries, I was so proud of myself for making a perfect knocker, and honestly the effort that it took to learn how to make Knitted Knockers correctly was so worth it! The whole experience inspired me to make my own tutorial, especially for those who were less experienced in crochet, like I was when I made my first one.”
Her story is a wonderful reminder that every beautifully made Knitted Knocker begins with a willingness to learn.
From One Email to a National Role
Aditi’s journey with Knitted Knockers began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when knitting and crocheting became popular hobbies for many young people.
“I was so inspired by the work of all the lovely ladies in this organization,” she says. “Although I was a high school student at the time, I really wanted to get involved.”
She reached out to our founder, Barbara Demorest, with a simple question: Could she start a Knitted Knockers club at her school?
One conversation led to another, and before long, Aditi had not only launched a successful school chapter but had also stepped into the role of Youth Director.
Today, she helps students across the country establish Knitted Knockers chapters in high schools, colleges, and universities.
“Recently, a medical school student reached out to me for the first time, making her school the second medical school with a Knitted Knockers organization. It has been so fulfilling helping others start their own chapters, and I really feel like their successes are my own.”
Caring Beyond Medicine
Aditi has wanted to become a doctor since elementary school. After completing an accelerated BS/MD program, she is now attending the Medical College of Georgia, where she continues to pursue that lifelong dream.
Her journey has taught her lessons that extend far beyond the classroom.
“One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of filling your own cup,” she says. “Knitted Knockers is actually a great way to do this, as the repetitive action of crocheting can be so stress-relieving.”
For Aditi, every Knitted Knocker represents another way to care for patients.
“Through studying medicine, I will be helping my patients with medications, surgeries, and clinical judgment, but through Knitted Knockers, I am also able to help them in their recovery by providing comfort, dignity, and kindness. As I become a physician, I hope to keep this aspect of patient care in mind.”
Building a Community of Compassion
When asked what Knitted Knockers means to her, Aditi’s answer is simple.
“This community means everything to me! I am so grateful for the support of the Augusta community, the Knitted Knockers official team (thanks, Patti!), and all the members of my organization. We all truly build each other up and help the organization grow.”
That same spirit is shared by the volunteers she has inspired.
Megan Roka of Augusta University says:
“I love that Knitted Knockers has allowed me to turn my passion for crocheting into something that can provide comfort and confidence to breast cancer survivors.”
Stories like Aditi’s remind us that age is no barrier to making a meaningful difference. Through compassion, creativity, and leadership, young volunteers are helping ensure that more women receive the comfort and care they deserve.
Start a Youth for Knitted Knockers Chapter
Inspired by Aditi’s story? Imagine what students in your community could accomplish together.
Youth for Knitted Knockers welcomes high schools, colleges, universities, homeschool groups, service clubs, and other student organizations that want to make a real difference in the lives of breast cancer survivors. Starting a chapter is a meaningful way for students to earn volunteer hours, develop leadership skills, build lasting friendships, and experience the joy of giving back.
Whether you’re a student with an idea, a teacher looking for a service project, or a faculty member interested in supporting a new club, we’re here to help you get started.
One student’s email to Barbara grew into a movement that continues to inspire young volunteers across the country. Your school could be next.
Visit KnittedKnockers.org to learn how to start a Youth for Knitted Knockers chapter. Together, we can empower the next generation to stitch comfort, confidence, and hope, one Knitted Knocker at a time.