An unknown person said “I don’t want my pain and struggle to make me a victim. I want my battle to make me someone else’s hero.” At the amazing Cards2Warriors, themed cards designed by illness warrior artists are sent to “spread hope and encouragement to those living with long-term illness, rare disease, or disability.” I had the honor, and joy, to talk with Dawn Veselka, Board Member and co-founder of this special non-profit about all things Cards2Warriors.
“Behind every chronic illness is just a person trying to find their way in the world. We want to find love and be loved and be happy just like you. We want to be successful and do something that matters. We’re just dealing with unwanted limitations in our hero’s journey.” Glenn Schweitzer
When Dawn’s daughter Sadie, who just graduated from high school, was growing up, she was diagnosed with multiple illnesses at four years old. Dawn and Sadie experienced the toll that living with a long-term illness can take on the patient, caregiver, siblings, and medical teams and how the smallest gesture can have the biggest impact on an isolated person. They founded the Cards2Warriors program in 2020, when immunocompromised illness warriors were feeling more alone than ever. Sending cards was chose because a greeting card is tangible proof to the recipient that someone is thinking of them. A card can be hung up in a patient’s room or kept in a special place to be pulled out and read again and again. Also other illness warriors can participate in making and sending cards. Cards2Warriors became an official non-profit whose mission is to send cards, designed by illness warrior artists, to illness warriors, caregivers, siblings, and medical professionals “to spread hope and encouragement to those living with long-term illness, rare disease, or disability.”
“I fight for my health every day in ways that most people don’t understand. I’m not lazy. I’m a warrior!” Unknown
All cards sent by Cards2Warriors are designed by warrior artists. Five fellow warriors sign each card before it is sent to the illness warrior. There are five themed card events throughout the year, where cards are sent in batches of 1,000 or more to those who have joined the Mailing List. Additionally cards go out continuously throughout the year to uplift and encourage illness warriors who are struggling or need a bit of encouragement. There is a “Nomination Page” for someone who is in crisis where a friend, family member, or the illness warrior, can request cards to be sent ASAP to provide needed TLC and card support. Volunteer Card Crew members make, write, and send these personalized cards filled with love and caring thoughts.
“When the unthinkable happens, the lighthouse is hope. Once we choose hope, everything is possible.” Christopher Reeve
Cards2Warriors sends cards to people all over the world. Anyone fourteen years or older can volunteer to send cards as healthy card crews and illness warriors are welcome to help with doing these good deeds. Card Crews are made up of students, healthy volunteers and illness warriors, giving everyone a chance to participate and spread hope and cheer to others. Cards2Warriors wants to make sure all illness warriors receive cards that are personal and special. The more cards an illness warrior can receive makes it even better. There are also Cards2Warriors ambassadors who shout out sponsors and invite more people to help. Any potential sponsor is vetted to make sure that their values of the sponsor align with the values of Cards2Warriors. Cards are also sent to caregivers, siblings, and medical professionals. Over 27,223 cards have been sent out with a goal of 100,000 cards being sent by the end of 2023. It was clear from speaking with Dawn the joy she feels about all the good Cards2Warriors to help those struggling with so much and knows first hand the power of a card showing up in the mail when going through a challenging time. It is equally powerful to have a purpose and do something good for others for these warriors too.
It is with honor, and joy, we shine the Kindness Champion spotlight on the AMAZING Cards2Warriors. Where a plethora of card crews, sponsors, and donations bring hope and smiles to Illness Warriors and all of those involved. We thank you for being you and bringing your awesome to the world.
For more information on Cards 2 Warriors here is their information:
Website: https://cards2warriors.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cards2warriors/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cards2warriors/
