From Preemie to Preemie: Local Student Donates Handmade Quilts to Sturdy’s Labor & Delivery

Labor & Delivery Team Members receive Marlon's donation of handcrafted quilts for premature babies born at Sturdy Memorial Hospital.

ATTLEBORO, MA – We are honored to share the story of Marlon, a remarkable Attleboro High School student whose personal journey has inspired a touching act of generosity for Sturdy Health’s tiniest patients.

Marlon, who was born prematurely at just 28 weeks, was inspired to give back to the hospitals that cared for him by creating quilts for newborns and premature babies.

Marlon began quilting in eighth grade with support from his school community, including art teacher Melissa Poyet and school clerk (and master quilter) Linda Monast. Now, he’s proudly donating five quilts to Sturdy Memorial Hospital and five to Women & Infants Hospital in Providence, with plans to continue distributing quilts to both hospitals as he makes more.

Each quilt is uniquely themed — Mickey Mouse, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and Dr. Seuss among them — and thoughtfully designed to offer warmth, comfort, and sensory protection to preemies. Each quilt also comes with a theme-matched children's book and a personal note from Marlon. 

Attleboro High School Principal Kate Campbell praised Marlon’s passion and initiative: “What a gift to a family… here you are having this blanket that was made by a preemie from 20 years ago, and the love that comes with that.”

On behalf of everyone at Sturdy, we extend our deepest gratitude to Marlon. His compassion, creativity, and desire to give back are truly inspiring. We’re so thankful to be part of his journey, and that he’s part of ours.