Not sure if you are familiar with the Disappearing 9 Patch - but they come together pretty quickly with Charm packs (5” squares). My friend and i are putting together 2 for donation to our guild’s charity quilt program. We are using a 4 x 5 block setting with no borders. So for one quilt you would need a total of 20 blocks.
The Missouri Star Quilt Company has some great tutorials and you will find the Disappearing Nine Patch there!
Your friend is truly blessed to have a friend such as you... praying all goes well for her and that she feels the big hug that quilt brings!