was undergoing treatment for cancer, she received a basket filled with a variety of “comfort” gifts, including a hand-crocheted blanket, a handmade scarf, puzzles and coloring books, and toiletries – items that she not only needed but also made her feel better. The basket also included a beautifully decorated card with a heartfelt message.
Hearts United Against Cancer was founded by a cancer survivor who, through her own experience, understands what patients need to help them get through the sometimes grueling treatment. The all-volunteer organization creates comfort and care bundles and bags for cancer “heroes” (those battling the disease) of all ages, delivering them locally and also shipping them anywhere in the country. Some bags, blankets, and pillows are given to groups of patients in hospitals or treatment centers. Others are “personalized,” requested by an individual for someone they know undergoing treatment, much like the basket Civa received, which was sent at the request of her landscaper (who volunteers for Hearts United Against Cancer). The bundles are provided and delivered at absolutely no charge.
Civa found out that the organization is based in Southern New Jersey, near where she lives and decided to attend two events – a fundraiser and a volunteer effort that included stuffing pillows and teddy bears, making fleece blankets, and writing and decorating note cards. Her experiences convinced her that she too wanted to become part of this organization.
Civa discovered an artistic talent when she took a local art therapy class for cancer patients during her therapy. “I never drew in my life and I couldn't paint anything before,” she said, adding with a laugh, “I swear it was the chemo!” She found painting a way to get through pain and emotions, “take my mind off the treatments.” When Civa saw she could volunteer her time by creating the beautiful cards that accompany each bundle, she jumped at the opportunity to help out.
Using stickers, colored pencils, and markers, she creates beautiful and unique designs for each card and she also writes out a message inside of each card. On weekday mornings, you’ll find her at home writing the inside message on several cards during breakfast. “It's how I start my day, like meditation.”
Then, on the weekends, she decorates those cards. Since starting with Hearts United Against Cancer, she’s created 4,000 cards and envelopes. She also used her Penn Medicine CAREs grant to fund a community event to create and assemble more bags, much like the one she originally attended.
As part of the front decoration on each card, Civa puts the words strength, peace, or hope – something all cancer patients need. “Peace is so elusive once you've had cancer but when I work on these cards, they give me some peace,” she said. “I feel selfish because it's my therapy. I get so much out of this.”
To learn more about applying for a Penn Medicine grant, visit http://uphsxnet.uphs.upenn.edu/community/CARE/grant-application.html. The next deadline for applications is March 1.