When Sharon Civa of Information Services was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, her landscaper sent her a bundle of comfort gifts, which included a beautifully decorated card with a heartfelt message. To pay this kindness forward, Civa, now cancer free, makes cards for cancer patients in hospitals around the Philadelphia region — more than 5,000 homemade cards so far!
Inspired by her service, Penn Medicine’s “Work of HeART” campaign challenged clinical teams, volunteers, and visitors from all six hospitals earlier this year to make a “get well soon” or “thinking of you” card for a patient in the hospital. Nearly 6,000 cards were distributed to patients throughout the month of February as an extension of the love that clinical teams give to patients.