CFC02 - Chemo Angels

[stagccva]

I thought I'd give a little update - is everyone ready?? As of tonight, November 4th I have received 2134 cards. I am absolutely speechless, and moved beyond words by the generosity of everyone who has participated in this challenge!! I hope we can keep up this momentum every month

Hi there everyone! Welcome to the newest challenge on Splitcoast. This one will be a little different from the usual daily challenges - it will run all month.

The basic idea of the Cards for a Cause challenge is this: each month, stampers are invited to create cards (you can do one, you can do ten - however many you want!) to donate to a specific cause. All cards will be sent to the Post Office box listed below, and the cards will be forwarded on to the featured organization.

For October, in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in recognition of all the brave people who fight cancer daily, I've picked the organization Chemo Angels. Check this link to their "How it Works" page to learn more about them. Many SCSers are familiar with this organization, and are even involved with it already.

If you are wondering what to make - there are no restrictions for this challenge! Easy, huh? I will ask that you check their FAQ's for some helpful guidelines about what kind of cards the are preferred. And, all the cards have to be newly created - that's why this is a challenge! Don't just clean out your stash (although, ou can include those cards in your package, lol) - make something new! Also, I will be asking some Current Angels to post here with helpful guidelines for cards, and will edit this post as necessary to include them.

Please try and send an envelope along with your card, if possible.

So that's it - -sound like fun? I hope so!! I cannot wait to see how many cards we can gather to send to Chemo Angels!.

Please have your cards to me no later than November 3, 2008.
Send them to this address:

Splitcoaststampers Cards for a Cause
118 S. South Street #605
Farmville, Virginia 23901
USA

Upload your cards to whatever stamp gallery they belong in, and use the keyword CFC02. That way, we can all check the CFC02 gallery to see how many cards we are sending! Have fun, and thanks so much for helping us spread some sunshine! If you have any questions, feel free to post them here or send me a pm!

CFC02 Gallery

My sample will be coming soon - I've been swamped this week and have not had a chance to get started! I'll post it soon!!

[mcbetty]

I'm delighted to see that this month's Cards for a Cause is for Chemo Angels. October is their 8th birthday, in addition to being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I've been a chemo angel longer than I've heard of SCS. My fridge door is full of pictures of my previous buddies. The first one is a breast cancer survivor. I was fortunate to meet a 5 year old buddy after he graduated from the program (no more chemo needed); he and his family vacationed here in my area! Now he's 8.

Special Assignments Angels also send birthday cards (there's a monthly birthday list), thinking-of-you cards, encouragement cards, holiday cards, to other patients. And sadly, sympathy cards too to some of the families.

Two kinds of cards NOT recommended are "get well" and "good luck". Sometimes the patient knows he won't get well. So avoid these two phrases, okay?

Patients are all ages from little children, teens, adults, to senior citizens. Some like scripture, some have no religion --- the organization knows which.

Any questions? Ask here. I'm sure other SCS Chemo Angels will pop in here.

[stamptician]

What a coincidence! I just signed up a couple of weeks ago to be a chemo angel. Just got my 1st patient assignment and sent out my 1st card today. This is a great organization.

[muzbysmom]

This is one challenge I'll try my darndest to do monthly. Plz plan on me participating!

[PH in VA]

Originally Posted by mcbetty

Any questions? Ask here. I'm sure other SCS Chemo Angels will pop in here.

Are there any restrictions on how embellished the cards are? I mean, are thick embellishments (like hardware or buttons) discouraged because they could make it more difficult for the cards to be mailed to their recipients?

[MrsBoz]

I plan to make a couple of cards for this one.

[Kathy LeDonne]

I made this card with this challenge in mind. I will be going through my old sample cards, as well and sending out some. Do you need envelopes?

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ga...080242?cat=559

[bensarmom]

Just seeing this and can't wait to play.

[dougnat]

I'm soo on this! thank you!!!

[rj77]

Awesome! Looking forward to helping out!

[biblesistersmom]

subscribing. Looking forward to see which organization is up next, too. Do you take suggestions?

[PH in VA]

Originally Posted by biblesistersmom

subscribing. Looking forward to see which organization is up next, too. Do you take suggestions?

You can suggest organizations in this thread:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/fo...d.php?t=378358

[jbalcer]

Taylor, this is such a rockin' idea. Thanks for all of your hard work organizing this!

[vampme3]

I am so glad to see this! My husband was just asking me today what I'm going to do with all the cards I've been making. Made 6 yesterday for WCMD challenges...I think he's picturing the house overflowing with cards...lol. Anyway, I told him that I'd donate some of them, give some as gifts, etc. So...this is where I'm going to donate. It's actually perfect, as just a month after he and I met, he was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus, and our first year together was spent enduring chemo and radiation and a botched surgery...however, he has been in remission for the last 2 years, and we are so thankful! Miracles really do happen! Next month, we celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary! Thanks for the opportunity to help others.

[BluDragon]

This is great, I have not heard of chemo angels. I cant wait to start making cards. My mother is a breast cancer survivor, though it has moved to her bones and every few years it seems to be on the move. So she goes through times of not needing chemo to going back on it. Right now is one of those times, she is on a new medication and so far its keeping her cancer markers still.
Also , are we supposed to write something on the inside of the cards?

[Elaine Winstead]

What a wonderful challenge! I wasn't aware such an encouraging ministry existed...but would love to participate!

Please let me share my stamping story....

My son was diagnosed with bone cancer (Ewing's Sarcoma) when he was 11. I am blessed to report he is a SURVIVOR.. going on 7 years! His protocol was 5 different chemo drugs for a year..all of it had to be given inpatient. His low counts and constant fevers forced us to keep him isolated from everyone. My husband and girls were 300 miles away...so it was just the two of us most of the time.

Loved ones would send Thomas packages. Cards, markers, puzzles...and sometimes, a new ballcap! One day a package arrived addressed to ME! It was from my sweet friend, Melanie, who had recently learned of Thomas's diagnosis. She was a stamper, who had signed up with Stampin' Up. Inside the box were markers, paper, paper cutter, envelopes, ink, an idea book, and...a brand new set of stamps! I still have them! I put them together wrong (of course)!

My girls were able to join us during spring break, and we stamped everything! We even shared our treasure with our friends at the Ronald House. I had no idea that so much healing could come from red rubber!!

My son eventually required his own stamps..(the retired wolf set became his fav) and he made his own thank you cards He's very creative...but his creativity would really shine when he was stamping on MORPHINE!

Ironically, I when I thanked Melanie for my "blessing in a box", I told her that I loved stamping...but I thought it might be an expensive hobby.

I had NO idea!

SCS is my homepage, been a lurker for years and am in awe of the talent that is shared. I participate in the challenges (not brave enough to post anything) am a fanclub member.....and I've enthusiastically supported my friend Melanie's Stampin' Up business for the last 7 years!

Yep...I'm hooked! Nothing provides instant gratification like cardmaking. I am the mother of 4 children, wife to a wonderful man of 28 years and own my own embroidery shop. When my day has tanked, and I feel like I totally blew it...I can grab some ink and rubber, make a card for a friend who is struggling, stick a stamp on it and go to bed feeling like I accomplished SO much!!

Thanks for letting me share!

Blessings,
Elaine

[bfustin]

GREAT IDEA. COUNT ME IN.

[Kathyc]

I'd love to join in! Just want to make sure I understand....it can be any type of card, not necessarily 'think pink' for breast cancer, and definitely not Get Well or Good Luck?
Thanks for doing this and for letting us be a part of it!
Kathy

[sewsplendidstamper]

The challenge this time will be to see if I an stamp through tears. I can't wait to get going on this.

[crazykim]

Fantastic challenge -- expect some cards from New Zealand -- I will get them out to you ASAP .... My Mum is a cancer survivor and my Father is still living with CLL... I think we all can say in some way friend or family we all know someone who has struggled with this shocking illness... I am so pleased to help out. Kim NZ

[Francie G.]

This is so wonderful! Thank you so much for posting this info!

[Glenda J]

This sounds fantastic - I'll do my best to whip up a few to send. Thanks for caring.

[mestamper]

I really like this challenge. It is such a good cause, I like the idea of lifting someones spirits or maybe, making there day just a little better. I can't wait to make some cards for them, count me in. Thanks for this opportunity! Elaine

[OnePinkPea]

I have gathered about 60 cards to get mailed next week. Thank you to the sponsor of this.

[Vickie Y]

I'm definitely participating in this challenge for a cause.

[mcbetty]

Wonderful to read about the survivors on here!

Yes, any type of card is great (except "get well" or "good luck").
It can be thinking of you, howdy, happy birthday, happy holidays, Merry Christmas, hi, praying for you, Happy Hanukah, some funny ones, some sympathy ones, or even no sentiment on the front.

Suggestion, don't write a note on the inside. You can stamp an appropriate quote or something inside. You can write your name on the back with a made with love by...., email --- @ -- , a scripture, or whatever you want to put on the back.

The chemoangels write notes on the inside.
The reason: you don't know the patients' names, and this part is kept strictly confidential.

Thanks for sharing your stories here, Elaine, Val, BluDragon, Kim.

[arinstamps]

Originally Posted by Elaine Winstead

What a wonderful challenge! I wasn't aware such an encouraging ministry existed...but would love to participate!

Please let me share my stamping story....

My son was diagnosed with bone cancer (Ewing's Sarcoma) when he was 11. I am blessed to report he is a SURVIVOR.. going on 7 years! His protocol was 5 different chemo drugs for a year..all of it had to be given inpatient. His low counts and constant fevers forced us to keep him isolated from everyone. My husband and girls were 300 miles away...so it was just the two of us most of the time.

Loved ones would send Thomas packages. Cards, markers, puzzles...and sometimes, a new ballcap! One day a package arrived addressed to ME! It was from my sweet friend, Melanie, who had recently learned of Thomas's diagnosis. She was a stamper, who had signed up with Stampin' Up. Inside the box were markers, paper, paper cutter, envelopes, ink, an idea book, and...a brand new set of stamps! I still have them! I put them together wrong (of course)!

My girls were able to join us during spring break, and we stamped everything! We even shared our treasure with our friends at the Ronald House. I had no idea that so much healing could come from red rubber!!

My son eventually required his own stamps..(the retired wolf set became his fav) and he made his own thank you cards He's very creative...but his creativity would really shine when he was stamping on MORPHINE!

Ironically, I when I thanked Melanie for my "blessing in a box", I told her that I loved stamping...but I thought it might be an expensive hobby.

I had NO idea!

SCS is my homepage, been a lurker for years and am in awe of the talent that is shared. I participate in the challenges (not brave enough to post anything) am a fanclub member.....and I've enthusiastically supported my friend Melanie's Stampin' Up business for the last 7 years!

Yep...I'm hooked! Nothing provides instant gratification like cardmaking. I am the mother of 4 children, wife to a wonderful man of 28 years and own my own embroidery shop. When my day has tanked, and I feel like I totally blew it...I can grab some ink and rubber, make a card for a friend who is struggling, stick a stamp on it and go to bed feeling like I accomplished SO much!!

Thanks for letting me share!

Blessings,
Elaine

Elaine,
Thank you for taking the time to post this. I was very touched by your story. This is the first time I've seen this new challenge, and reading through it I knew that I should participate. After reading your post, I know I will participate. It is good to be reminded how much simple gestures can mean to those who are struggling.
God bless you and your son
Arin

[mcbetty]

Originally Posted by PH in VA

Are there any restrictions on how embellished the cards are? I mean, are thick embellishments (like hardware or buttons) discouraged because they could make it more difficult for the cards to be mailed to their recipients?

The cards can be stuck inside the little packages the senior/chemoangels send.

[akronstamperdpk]

You can count me in too! My DH is dealing with lymphoma and going through chemo right now and I know how much he has enjoyed receiving cards from some of my online/SCS friends. I will make new and send along extra for this wonderful group. Thanks for posting and getting us all involved!!

[Badger53186]

subscribing!

[shelsmom]

I just became a ChemoAngel, so it is great to see you all support this wonderful organization. I received my first assigned patient last week and have sent my letter introducing myself and sent my fisrt card today. Thanks again everyone and "way to go " to all the survivors here.

[the zuf]

What a fabulous idea! I am subscribing for sure and will check out becoming an angel too. Thanks so much for doing this!

[biblesistersmom]

I'm bumping this one back to the top!

[biblesistersmom]

Originally Posted by mcbetty

I'm delighted to see that this month's Cards for a Cause is for Chemo Angels. October is their 8th birthday, in addition to being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I've been a chemo angel longer than I've heard of SCS. My fridge door is full of pictures of my previous buddies. The first one is a breast cancer survivor. I was fortunate to meet a 5 year old buddy after he graduated from the program (no more chemo needed); he and his family vacationed here in my area! Now he's 8.

Special Assignments Angels also send birthday cards (there's a monthly birthday list), thinking-of-you cards, encouragement cards, holiday cards, to other patients. And sadly, sympathy cards too to some of the families.

Two kinds of cards NOT recommended are "get well" and "good luck". Sometimes the patient knows he won't get well. So avoid these two phrases, okay?

Patients are all ages from little children, teens, adults, to senior citizens. Some like scripture, some have no religion --- the organization knows which.

Any questions? Ask here. I'm sure other SCS Chemo Angels will pop in here.

Can they use thank you cards?

[InColorCrzyChristi]

Originally Posted by Elaine Winstead

What a wonderful challenge! I wasn't aware such an encouraging ministry existed...but would love to participate!

Please let me share my stamping story....

My son was diagnosed with bone cancer (Ewing's Sarcoma) when he was 11. I am blessed to report he is a SURVIVOR.. going on 7 years! His protocol was 5 different chemo drugs for a year..all of it had to be given inpatient. His low counts and constant fevers forced us to keep him isolated from everyone. My husband and girls were 300 miles away...so it was just the two of us most of the time.

Loved ones would send Thomas packages. Cards, markers, puzzles...and sometimes, a new ballcap! One day a package arrived addressed to ME! It was from my sweet friend, Melanie, who had recently learned of Thomas's diagnosis. She was a stamper, who had signed up with Stampin' Up. Inside the box were markers, paper, paper cutter, envelopes, ink, an idea book, and...a brand new set of stamps! I still have them! I put them together wrong (of course)!

My girls were able to join us during spring break, and we stamped everything! We even shared our treasure with our friends at the Ronald House. I had no idea that so much healing could come from red rubber!!

My son eventually required his own stamps..(the retired wolf set became his fav) and he made his own thank you cards He's very creative...but his creativity would really shine when he was stamping on MORPHINE!

Ironically, I when I thanked Melanie for my "blessing in a box", I told her that I loved stamping...but I thought it might be an expensive hobby.

I had NO idea!

SCS is my homepage, been a lurker for years and am in awe of the talent that is shared. I participate in the challenges (not brave enough to post anything) am a fanclub member.....and I've enthusiastically supported my friend Melanie's Stampin' Up business for the last 7 years!

Yep...I'm hooked! Nothing provides instant gratification like cardmaking. I am the mother of 4 children, wife to a wonderful man of 28 years and own my own embroidery shop. When my day has tanked, and I feel like I totally blew it...I can grab some ink and rubber, make a card for a friend who is struggling, stick a stamp on it and go to bed feeling like I accomplished SO much!!

Thanks for letting me share!

Blessings,
Elaine

Thank you for sharing your story. I already wanted to participate in Cards for a Cause, and after reading your testimony I am committed to do it. I know how much joy I get from stampin up stamps, ink and designer series paper, and it is a blessing to read about how much joy you get and how much joy we can all spread using our stampin up resourses.
Thanks again
Christi

[papercraftingmomma]

My friend just told me about this thread and I am excited to see so many others are willing to help out. I received my wings on Christmas Eve 2000 and have had a lot of awesome buddies!!!! I love being a Chemo Card Angel!!!
Hugs,
Bridgett

[karbear1962]

I am so glad that I stumbled across this cards for a cause. I just went to the website and got signed up to be a chemo angel and senior angel. Yeah!! I am excited that I can reach out to others and use my addiction for good!! The exciting thing will be meeting the people in heaven that are the recipients of the blessings that we make and send to them. I want to have a parade of blessed recipients. I love stamping and have been completely addicted now for 6 years. I am thankful that God gave me an outlet to not only benefit me, but that I can also use to benefit and touch others.

[mcbetty]

Originally Posted by biblesistersmom

Can they use thank you cards?

Yes! The chemo angels admin send thank you cards. Thanks for asking.

[shelsmom]

When I signed up to be a Chemo Angel, the web site there was approximatley 3800 angels, who would have thought there would so many on SCS. I am double blessed to be a part of both groups. And now I have names of other angels to ask questions if I have any. Thanks in advance.

[paws2ink]

I'll see if I can get a few off...