Because of reductions in federal grants, researchers are more dependent on private philanthropy, said Sherry Buckles, assistant director of development at Johns Hopkins' cancer center. Two researchers already have approached Buckles about applying for Burnett's grants.
This year, the center used its $25,000 to upgrade software and hardware for a computer and microscope that produce images of cancerous cells, said Dr. Fred Bunz, director of the center's cell imaging core facility. Because the computer peripherals were obsolete, no one could use the microscope.
"We had an expensive piece of equipment we couldn't use," Bunz said. "That's where gifts like that from the Caring Collection are really critical."
Six years ago, a Caring Collection donation paid to equip the startup lab for Hopkins researcher Dr. Leisha Emens. Emens is conducting clinical trials for a breast cancer vaccine. The trials were featured in a six-part series in October in The Baltimore Sun.
Darby Steadman, 39, a patient in the clinical trial, came to Burnett's studio Monday to make her first angel. After Steadman learned last year that her breast cancer had spread, she received an angel from Hood.
"This 'little angel that could' has provided necessary equipment to detect my cancer and develop a vaccine that could stop my cancer," Steadman said.
Burnett also saw the fruits of her labor when she went for an ultrasound at Anne Arundel Medical Center this year. The machine that the Caring Collection bought detected a tumor in her breast. Burnett had a lumpectomy in July.
"It's all meant to be," said Burnett, describing how she felt when she saw the nonprofit's logo on the machine.
It takes volunteers about five hours to make each sun catcher and 25 hours to make the largest angels, which stand 12 inches high. Bobbie Burnett rejects offers from companies that promise they can do it faster - and cheaper - on an assembly line.
"The significance of it is that it is made here by people, and their love and their care is transmitted to the artwork," Burnett said. "That is what makes them special."
College and high school students come in during the summer to cut, grind, foil and solder glass, but the organization draws on volunteers of all ages. Burnett writes up to-do lists for everyone.
Mollie Tussing, 81, of Severna Park started making angels nine years ago. She decided to volunteer after she heard Burnett speak about her cause.
"It's really, really fulfilling to come here because the energy in this room is so positive," Tussing said.
