The design is paired with a matching solid color for the backside of the pillow, to allow space for cardiac anatomy drawings that explain the procedure to patients or for the signatures of the individuals who helped with the procedure.

To gather necessary materials, Austin visits craft stores in Flagstaff, Phoenix and online to purchase specific designs and other materials like stuffing and thread. She makes batches of up to 20 pillows at a time, but said if she were to make just one from start to finish, it would take about an hour. Although she uses coupons and often buys in bulk, she expects each pillow costs about $2.25 to $2.50 to make. She said they are not a financial burden to her, though, because she enjoys creating them. It has become one of her hobbies, she explained.

Sydow said the pillows are like a badge of honor for many patients – proof that they made it through the surgery. It also shows the high level of care in the CVSU.

“It exemplifies our team and our commitment to our patients. Jill saw a need and knew she could make it better, so she did,” Sydow said. “Despite everything else she does, she still finds time to make our pillows.”