Arts & Entertainment

Marin Knitters Contribute to Brain Cancer Research

After death of San Rafael woman, her Novato sister rallied with talented crafters to make a lasting contribution.

After Noushin Sharif-Murphy of San Rafael lost her battle with brain cancer in July 2012, her sister was determined to do something to help brain cancer researchers find a cure for the disease.

Sharif-Murphy's sister, Nazanin (Nazee) Sharif-Fard of Novato, has been designing knitwear for publication for 20 years. She came up with the idea of designing a prayer shawl book and donating part of the proceeds to brain cancer research in a tribute to Sharif-Murphy, who was founder and principal architect of VMI Architecture of San Rafael.

"She tried to contribute to the world as much as possible," Sharif-Fard said of her sister. 

Find out what's happening in San Rafaelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Since she was unable to work full-time while taking part in taking care of her sister, Sharif-Fard shared her idea with her knitting friends, and they agreed to participate in the project. Marin County Knitters have donated their time by knitting shawls for a knitting book, and 50 percent of the proceeds will go toward cancer research at UC San Francisco.

Sharif-Fard also received support from three yarn companies that donated to the projects. In addition, two other friends who were cancer survivors agreed to model the designs along with Sharif-Murphy while she was still feeling well.

Find out what's happening in San Rafaelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Work on the book was halted while Sharif-Fard was helping take care of her sister. After a long delay, the book was published. It is available here

"I feel extremely indebted to my friends who helped in this endeavor," Sharif-Fard said. 

In addition to Sharif-Fard, the women participating in the project were Novato residents Parvaneh Hakimi-Sharif (the mother of Sharif-Fard and Sharif-Murphy), Diane Sack, Jane Cooperman, Marian Caldwell and Marcia Hammett (who recently moved to Riverside) plus Christine Bo-Linn of Belvedere. If you are interested in participating in future efforts, contact Sharif-Fard at nfard@craftland.com.

Check out what else is happening on San Rafael Patch:

  • Italian Street Painting Organizers Get Serious With Donation Campaign
  • Pacifics Announce 2013 Season Schedule
  • Marin Reacts to the End of Saturday Mail Service
  • More Cash Available for Gun Buy-Back Vouchers
  • Meet the New Editor of San Rafael Patch

Don’t miss news about your neighborhood! Like San Rafael Patch on Facebook!


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here