I have never met rlbates, the author who writes and quilts at Suture for a Living. I only know what other people know about her: She’s a plastic surgeon in Arkansas. She writes about surgical techniques and issues. She creates amazing quilts that feature vibrant splashes of color and mesmerizing patterns. She regularly greets everyone and wishes everyone a good day on Twitter. She sews up ears in emergency rooms and talks about it as if she is running to the store to pick up milk.

rlbates also agreed to create a quilt to support me in the New York City Marathon. I have begun my fundraising efforts (with an ambitious goal) for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. With seemingly little hesitation, she agreed to sew a quilt, sell it, and sponsor me in the marathon by donating the proceeds from the quilt to the MS Society.

Isn’t that amazing?

I mean, really. Think about it. She took time out of her busy schedule—she’s a surgeon, remember—to sew up a delightful quilt. And she’s basically giving it away to help a silly someone, who she has never met, in far away New York City, who is running the marathon.

I’m practically speechless. (It’s remarkable how much I can write while claiming to be speechless, isn’t it?)

The MS Society has become my “pet cause” because of my dear friend. And I continue to marvel, year after year, at the generosity of my fellow human beings. And, every year, someone demonstrates a generosity that well exceeds my expectations.

Please take a look at the beautiful quilt and, should it capture your fancy, purchase it and help me raise money for the MS Society.

And even if you’re not into quilts, go visit rlbates and thank her for her awesomeness.

And, lastly, if you’d like to sponsor me for the New York City marathon (all proceeds will go to the MS Society), have your people call my people (here or here) and we’ll do lunch.

9/29/2009 Update: Someone purchased the quilt! If the buyer is a regular reader of this site, thank you so much! And if the buyer is not a regular reader of this site, thank you so much!