FARGO — Rondi Ulmer, a resident of Lake Park, Minnesota, embraced the support of her community during her battle with breast cancer last year. As she underwent chemotherapy treatments, she found comfort in a quilt crafted by her sister-in-law, Kate Ulmer. This quilt was more than just a collection of fabric; it contained heartfelt messages from friends and family that encouraged her throughout her treatment journey.
The quilt served as a source of emotional strength for Ulmer, who described it as “literally so comforting.” The creation process began when Kate Ulmer sought a way to incorporate personal messages into the quilt. She printed encouraging notes on fabric panels, allowing the quilt to evolve as more messages came in. “It was her journey, but it was also my journey,” Kate Ulmer remarked, reflecting on the shared experience.
Rondi Ulmer’s health struggles began when she discovered a lump in December 2024. Following her diagnosis of Stage 3 triple-negative breast cancer on February 17, 2025, she faced a daunting outlook. The cancer had advanced to the lymph nodes, prompting the start of her treatment regimen on March 3, 2025, coinciding with National Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Awareness Day.
Ulmer underwent 12 weeks of chemotherapy, surgery to remove seven lymph nodes, and subsequent radiation treatments. The quilt’s inspiration stemmed from a friend who had passed away from cancer years earlier. At that time, the support had manifested through messages delivered via email, culminating in a quilt displayed at her friend’s funeral. “It was so moving,” Rondi Ulmer recalled. “It was so comforting to be able to go up to the quilt and find the messages that I had written.”
When faced with her own diagnosis, Ulmer yearned for a quilt filled with supportive messages. “I don’t want those messages to go up on a wall after I’m gone,” she expressed. “I want those messages close.” Kate Ulmer, a breast cancer survivor herself, gifted the unfinished quilt to Rondi around Easter last year, allowing for continued additions.
The quilt became a tapestry of love and humor. One panel humorously documented a text exchange among Rondi’s siblings regarding her request for an electric razor to shave her head. The banter included suggestions for various grooming techniques, showcasing their family’s lighthearted approach to a difficult situation. Rondi Ulmer smiled as she recounted, “We are a joking family.”
A retired Earth science teacher at Perham Middle School, Rondi Ulmer also received encouragement from a student who contributed a patch declaring her “stronger than a metamorphic rock.” This sentiment aligned with her intentional focus on positivity during her treatment. Ulmer believed in healing rather than simply fighting cancer, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a hopeful outlook.
Reflecting on her journey, Rondi Ulmer noted that while the past year was challenging, it also offered profound personal growth. She achieved the best possible outcome from her treatments, acknowledging that not everyone with her diagnosis shares the same fortune.
“I want to be sensitive to the fact that not everybody gets to finish their journey,” she said. “I was fortunate. I was blessed.” Ulmer hopes her story will inspire others facing similar battles, emphasizing the power of community support and a positive mindset in overcoming adversity.
