When Suzzy Crowell met her husband, Steven, several years ago, she had no idea that one day they would marry and eventually build a home in Italy, Texas much less start her own home business, Suzzett’s Fabrics, Quilts and More LLC. But that is the end of the story to this point. What happened in between is another saga in itself.

Suzzy and Steven fell in love and married in 1980. They have two children, Lindsey and Thomas. They returned home to Italy a few years ago so that Thomas could attend Italy schools. They have seen their share of trials just like any other family, but the way they have learned to handle those trials is the secret to their success.

“I have learned to trust God for everything,” Suzzy explained. “I try to lean on God and find joy in any situation. Sometimes that is so hard.”

Last year her faith was put to the test when she faced a cancer scare that caused her to rely completely on God and His strength and understanding. She was no stranger to the disease prior to that because she was a registered nurse that specialized in oncology for five years. Her mom, Helen Lindsey, lost her battle with cancer three years ago, so she has experienced the devastation of the disease first hand. Mrs. Lindsey had been diagnosed with breast and uterine cancer.

“Losing my mom was one of the hardest things I have ever had to go through in my life, that is until a doctor told me earlier this year that I had cancer.”

Suzzy’s family is prone to Lynch syndrome, a rare genetic condition that increases the risk of colon and other cancers. Lynch syndrome is also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). A number of inherited syndromes can increase the risk of colon cancer, but Lynch is the most common. Two or three out of every 100 colon cancers are thought to be caused by Lynch. It can also cause more cases of colon cancer than would be expected and at an earlier age.

Earlier this year in routine screening, a fairly large tumor was discovered in her colon and the GI doctor told Suzzy she had cancer. The surgeon she saw after that told her it wasn’t cancer. She knew God was in control of the situation, but it was a long three weeks before she found out the outcome.

“I was not ready to hear I had cancer,” Crowell said. “I don’t think anybody is ever ready to hear that. I sure did not want to go through this. I only told one person other than family so they could pray for me. I found out the hard way that doctors can be wrong. I had surgery and the pathology came back benign – no cancer. I was so thankful to God for the good news!”

Suzzy knows that early detection and testing are very important in winning the battle with cancer. She supports efforts of the American Cancer Society and Ellis County Relay for Life. She designed and created a quilt to honor Kayrene Uehlinger and raise money for Ellis County Relay. Kayrene’s friends and family members donated money to place a square on the quilt that contained a Bible verse they wanted to bless her with. Not only was the gift beautiful, it was comforting to Uehlinger to see the verses and read the names of those that were special to her. Kayrene lost her battle with cancer on August 9, 2007. “I knew Kayrene had been fighting cancer for many years and had been through so much. I wanted to make something for her that would blanket her with love and comfort her. One of the fabrics I used was fittingly called Sanctuary by 3 Sisters.”

Crowell spent more than 120 hours making the special gift and the project raised over $700 for Relay for Life. Now, she stocks several fabrics to sell that help fund cancer awareness and programs.

Quilting is a love Suzzy has had for quite some time. When she retired from nursing last year, she realized that being idle did not suit her, so she decided to open her home business centered around one of her loves, quilting and fabrics. Hence, Suzett’s Fabrics, Quilts & More, LLC. SuzzettsFabric.com offers many types of fabrics including 1930s and 1940s retro.

“I love working with my hands and quilting. I also love to see the projects when they are finished. Having the home business gives me the freedom I need to enjoy other things like being a wife and mother.”

Crowell also finds joy in working with the children at Central Baptist Church in Italy. She is one of the leaders for Girls in Action, a mission organization. She always wanted to be a teacher, so being a GA leader and teaching the girls is just right for her.

Suzzett’s Fabric carries reproduction fabric from civil war times and the late 1800s. In addition she offers quilt patterns, books, patterns for purses, aprons and notions. She also stocks layer cakes, jelly rolls and charm packs for quilters. She ships orders all over the country and even ships to other countries.

If you would like more information on Suzzett’s Fabrics or would like to purchase fabric or quilting supplies, call Suzzy at 214-797-0393 or go to www.SuzzettsFabric.com.