You have a lot of time in a quilt. It is worth finding out if it will be welcomed. For example, I just sent word to my niece that I would make her a baby quilt using her choice of colors/themes. If you are fairly sure, a surprise is great. I surprised 5 close friends with cancers. 3 were intended as final gifts as the diagnosis came very late. The other 2 are still going strong and felt that the quilts helped them.