Cancer patients in Calgary hospitals are getting some special messages this Christmas season, thanks to a campaign by two local organizations.
Art à la Carte has teamed up with Wellspring Calgary to promote giving with the written word, rather than money, with the ‘Letters of Hope’ campaign.
Anonymous messages from cancer survivors and caregivers are printed on Christmas cards and distributed to cancer patients by volunteers.
Art à la Carte came up with the idea – the group already delivers works of art to patients to brighten up their hospital rooms.
“Reaching out on a humane level seemed to me like a really beautiful idea,” says organizer Debbie Baylin.
Willy Joosen is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s lymphoma and read the following message in his letter of hope:
“I share these words of hope with you as the mother of cancer survivor myself. He was nine-years-old. Recently we celebrated his 29th birthday. During his initial round with chemo, I clung to stories of long-term cancer survival. It is with great joy I share this message of hope. My son is now a university graduate and I will be dancing at his wedding next year. Peace, love, joy.”
Joosen was touched.
“I think it’s an awesome idea. It’s coming from the heart.”
The campaign runs until December 15th.
If you’d like to send a message of hope to a cancer patient, email lettersofhopeyyc@gmail.com
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