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ConKerr Cancer Blog bio picture

Hi there!

Ryan had cancer.  His Mom, Cindy, couldn't do a thing about it.  In an effort to lift Ryan's spirits during his frequent hospital stays, Cindy Kerr began making a new pillowcase for each hospital visit.  These helped to brighten up the parade of often-drab hospital rooms. 

Of course, Cindy couldn't leave it at that.  Ryan couldn't be the only child to receive the pillowcases, so Cindy began making them for all the children in the oncology ward.  Other wards followed.  ConKerr Cancer was born.

Following ConKerr Cancer's appearance on the Martha Stewart show to receive the 1st annual 'Dreamers and Doers' award, the number of ConKerr Cancer chapters skyrocketed.  Recently, Cindy was honored as the 'Loreal Women of Worth.'  As a result, new domestic and international chapters are taking root at a rapid pace!   

Today, ConKerr Cancer has distributed over 70,000 pillowcases to children with cancer.  Our simple goal, tireless enthusiasm, and the continued support of volunteers the world over allow us to make 'A Case for Smiles.' 

 

Team Building with Pillowcases

via phillylacrosse.com

via phillylacrosse.com

Who knew teenage boys were such great sewers? Well, the Springfield-Delco lacrosse boys team confirm it. They have made ConKerr part of their team building now two years in a row! Thank you so much boys and way to go! Read the beautiful article for phillylacrosse.com HERE. Go team!

Thank you Thursday Time!

via spluch.blogspot.com

It’s that time again! Another little burst of goodness for brighten your day…

I just want to say thank you for the lovely pillow cases. My daughter was recently diagnosed with leukemia at the Loyola/Ronald McDonald Children’s Hospital in Maywood, IL. Amelie is 5 years old and this is all so new to us. We have been in and out of the hospital and she received 2 pillow cases (asian themed and girly shoes & purses) both very cute. It’s such a wonderful surprise when she leaves the room to see the nurses having put the prettiest and bright pillow covers on such a drab environment. It instantly lifts her spirit. It is such a simple thing but it makes a difference. I commend you for what you do and keep doing great work! You can visit my daughter’s caring bridge website to view her progress http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ameliedejesus.

Thanks!

Lillian De Jesus

One of our favorites to warm you up!

snowman

We’ve decided to feature some of our favorite pillowcases here on our blog! We get so many amazing fabrics and cute designs that it’s hard to choose. This one reminds us of summer months, a reminder I’m sure all of you need too! We’ll keep posting the amazing pillowcases we receive, but please - email us pictures of some of your favorites! We’ll post them here and you never know - your creation may become a star!

Until then, dreaming of strawberries and sunshine….

Keep warm darlings!

Facebook Group

cards

Hey all you Facebookers - Just a reminder to join our official group, ConKerr Cancer - A Case for Smiles! Thanks and spread the word!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss

Via Dyersville Library

Via Dyersville Library

Well, a very merry birthday to Dr. Suess! Just like ConKerr, this man embodies all things creative, fanciful and colorful. His books inspire  the imagination and tell of far-off places, completely removed from reality. We hope our pillowcases do the same for those children who receive them - take them away from the hospital room and into their creativity.

Also, in honor of this great children’s author, I would like to announce the exciting, upcoming publication of a ConKerr Cancer children’s book! We are working with a publisher to complete a story which teaches children about hospital stays, serious illness and how to treat their classmates who face such disease. This should be published in time for pediatric cancer month and we are VERY excited. We’ll be sure to keep you updated!

Keep working hard ConKerr-ers and make a pillowcase inspired by this great man today!

Snow and a Special Connection

snow-scene

So just when you think spring is almost here, you are hit with another snow storm.

Everyone of us here in Philly was cringing  at the thought of another day of no school, plans canceled and more shoveling.  But with the snow comes a kind of peace and tranquility.  I can’t help but be in complete awe of the intense beauty  and revel in the chance to capture it  through the lens of my camera.

deer

It is when I am out with Ryan’s camera that I feel a closeness to him that is indescribable for we both shared a love for photography and the outdoors.  So, I was happy to bundle up and brave the cold today, but I think I would be happy if my next set of pictures were of the first signs of spring.

Cindy

A Quote from Cindy

boy-with-machine

“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think”

- Christopher Robin to Pooh

We’ve Been Featured!

Great news everyone: We’ve been featured at essentialimagery.com!  It’s the most amazing site of a good friend, Kristen. She is a very talented photographer and has the most beautiful blog. Please go visit and check it out! We are so excited to be featured and to have this special relationship with her.

Thank you Kristen!

Cindy - Thank you Robin and welcome. Please keep in touch!March 1, 2010 - 12:21 pm

Robin Horner - Great Blog! It will be wonderful to share in the smiles you bring.February 27, 2010 - 4:59 am

Thank-you Thursday!

via mycoolespacio.com

Here at Conkerr, what keeps us going are the smiles and thank-you’s we receive. Whenever we see our hard work impact just one person, whether it be a patient, family member or volunteer, we are uplifted. Seeing that spark come alive is the most wonderful gift. We hope you feel it too.

We receive wonderful letters from families and we want to share our passion and joy. For this reason  we have decided to begin and post them here. We hope they bring a smile and motivate you forward!

Click to continue reading “Thank-you Thursday!”

Subscribing

Good afternoon everyone!

We’ve noted that there has been some confusion on how to subscribe to our blog. Simply click on the Subscribe link on the top right menu. Depending on your browser, a different screen will pop up. However, all of them have an option bar on how to subscribe. For Firefox, it should be at the top. For Safari, it will be on the lower right.

Go to this bar and select your method. There will be a choice for email - simply choose your email program and you will receive email updates every time we post. We hope you will subscribe and open a dialogue with us! We would love to hear your comments, stories and thoughts!

Cindy - Wow Sherry - That is absolutely fabulous. Congratulations and keep up the good work. You are really making a difference!March 1, 2010 - 12:22 pm

Sherry - In a matter of 2 hours I cut and serged 5 pillowcases to go to our drop off in my area of Maryland, Bears Paw Fabrics.Thank you for your inspiration! I know I met the AQS challenge and plan to challenge myself to do more!February 28, 2010 - 9:35 pm

Cindy - Julie - It's great to have you with us! Send us pictures of your party and we'll put them up - Have fun and good luck!February 24, 2010 - 5:13 pm

Julie Benefiel - Getting ready to host a Pillowcase Party at The River's Edge Fabric Company in shelbyville, Indiana. Our pillowcases are going to Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis. We're all so excited to be a part of this!February 24, 2010 - 2:27 pm