Blankets for Love (BFL)

In September of 2023, my uncle, Carl Lubick, lost his eight-month battle with grade IV glioblastoma and a separate, unrelated cancer - esophageal cancer.

Uncle Carl was a devoted son to my Grandpa Larry, a loving husband to Aunt Linda Stein, and a loyal brother to my uncles David, Ben, Dan, and my dad, Aaron.

Uncle Carl graduated from Amherst High School and the University at Buffalo. He started his career in the United States Navy, stationed on the SS Paul for six years. Most recently, he was a Senior Engineer and Principal with Wendel Companies in Buffalo. Uncle Carl – like most Buffalo residents – was a lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills. He loved cheering on the home team with family and friends - through the glory years and the lean years.

Uncle Carl fought two cancers with resolute determination and ultimately, calm acceptance. He spent his last days in the welcoming, peaceful, and attentive care of the Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo Facility.

Two days before he passed, was the season-opening game for the Bills. Although too weak to watch and enjoy the game, we knew his heart was with his Bills.

That morning, in a happy accident of sorts, one of the aides at Hospice covered Uncle Carl with a Buffalo Bills blanket, to keep him warm and comforted. Unknowingly, the blanket belonged to another patient whose family soon claimed it. But this gave me an idea: maybe Hospice patients would enjoy having their own Bills or Sabres blanket – to cheer them, comfort them, and still allow them to show their Buffalo pride.

My and my family’s love for my uncle, our love for Buffalo sports teams (even though all of us aren’t from or living in Buffalo), and my wish to honor Uncle Carl and all Hospice patients has driven me to start this project, I’m calling Blankets for Love (BFL).

I am collecting donations to (1) purchase new Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres-themed throws that measure 50” x 60” for Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo patients. This is the requested size for hospice patients in wheelchairs or in beds, and (2) purchase supplies to make Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres-themed throws that measure 50" x 60" with the help of my family and volunteer crafters. A new blanket costs $25-50.

I appreciate your consideration in memory of my Uncle Carl and from my family and me!

Info on Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo:

There are approximately 400 patients throughout the network at any time in the Inpatient Unit, in nursing homes, and those receiving care at home.

Info about me:

My name is Louis. I’m 16 years old and a junior at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland. I am on the speech team, and I play the flute in the Jazz Ensemble and the Pride of the Falcons Marching Band. I wasn’t born in Buffalo, but both of my parents were, so I root for the Bills!