Cards-by-Caiti was started after Caitlin O'Meara (11) learned that her friend Emily Lewis had been diagnosed with cancer. All net proceeds raised from the sale of Cards-by-Caiti are donated, in Emily's name, to the pediatric oncology ward where she receives treatment. Caitlin's goal is to raise $10,000 by April of 2009. It sounds like Caitlin will be able to achieve her goal. Here's the story behind the cards from a press release.
When illness strikes a friend, age makes no difference in wanting to offer support and encouragement. Young friends like Caitlin O'Meara and Emily Lewis illustrate this sentiment perfectly. Eighteen months ago, doctors diagnosed Emily with cancer. Upon hearing the news, Caitlin, like any good friend, wanted to help. "She is extremely kind. Nothing really gets her down. I think she is like an angel," says Caitlin about Emily.
Her mother, Michelle, suggested she call Emily, write her a letter or draw her a special picture. "But she said 'No mom, I mean I REALLY want to do something,'" Michelle says. So, with Emily's encouragement, Caitlin founded Cards-by-Caiti: Note Cards for a Cause.
Already an accomplished artist at just eleven-years old, Caitlin's award-winning illustrations and artwork have been turned into four collections of multi-purpose blank note cards, sold in sets of 10 for $10: Original Assortment, Paris Assortment, Horses, and Holiday. All proceeds are donated in Emily's name to the pediatric oncology center at the Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, where Emily receives treatment. Emily decides how the funds are to be used.
To date, Caitlin has raised $4,000.00 for Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, and recently presented her latest $1,000 donation, with Emily's assistance, at a "Circle of Friends" Annual Event attended by over 200 Doctors, Staff, and other fund raising Circle members. A portion of the total donations has been spent on a new computer and mobile workstation for kids receiving treatment to play games, surf the Web and stay in touch with friends and family. A new digital camera and printer have also been ordered, and Emily is still debating what to spend the remaining funds on.
"One of the greatest benefits of Caitlin's project is what it offers Emily," Michelle says. "She's been through numerous cycles of chemotherapy and radiation without the results we had hoped for. Letting Emily decide how the proceeds will be spent provides for a wonderful distraction from her ongoing treatment."
In January of 2007, Caitlin appeared on WKYC Cleveland's Channel 3 news segment "Romona's Kids" -- which showcases children who are making a difference in the community -- to help promote her cause. While the cards have become a local hit, Caitlin wants word of Cards-by-Caiti to go beyond city, and possibly even state, borders. "She's very ambitious," says her mother. "She's always creating new designs to sell, and is hoping to have raised $10,000 by the 2009 Circle of Friends Annual Event." But, letting the world know that kids CAN make a difference in the lives of others is the ultimate message Caitlin and Emily hope to share.
