About the Creators

I needed to find meaningful cards to send to my girlfriend Sherry, when I couldn’t be there through her treatments.

Mostly I looked for cards that said things that were uplifting, without the clichéd phrases,

and famous quotes, or breast cancer ribbons.

(Pink ribbons are great, don’t get me wrong, but I think they’re better for fundraising, not hugging a friend.)

What I learned was, there are so many feelings involved for both the patient and her friends & family - and that can create an emotional gap in communication.

We freeze around illness, around fear, caregiving, the feeling of helplessness, our distance, and our real feelings of love. Often our only response is to panic and default to:

• toxic positivity

• avoidance

• clichés

• or silence

Cards with positive sentiments are great and uplifting, but I learned that things can get very real very fast, and it can be ugly and terrifying. And sometimes those feelings need to be expressed.

Those words need to be found .. and shared. But there are also those amazing real, life-changing moments, that include love and bonding and self discovery. Sometimes untapped strength appearing out of nowhere just shows up. And those feelings need to be expressed too. Those words need to be found .. and shared too.

My background included professional writing so instead of spending time searching for the “right cards with the right words” I decided to create a cancer card line for ALL the people involved; the patient, the caregivers, the friends, co-workers, her family, and the advocates for a cure. And so Dear Sherry was born.

Here we have 5 distinct card lines for ALL who are involved in the wellness of HER. Because we all need to talk. We all need to listen and hear what everyone is feeling. Because our feelings change many times over during the course of treatment.

• FOR the Patient Cards #1 - are cards from her well-wishers

• FROM the Patient Cards - are cards from the patient to thank the helpers in her life, as well as setting the tone of how she would like others to treat her during this time.

• FOR the Patient Cards #2 - are cards celebrating each of her cancer Milestones & Anniversaries (because every milestone is worth celebrating)

• FOR Fundraising Cards - if you’re willing to fundraise for a cure, we’re willing to help. (Please see our Fundraising page for details.)

• and our newest line - THE HALEY COLLECTION - our own way of Advocating for Breast Cancer Detection EARLY , created in honor of Dr. Haley Nakata. A line of cards for all of us to spread the word.

The truth is it’s a long, hard process that takes a physical, emotional and spiritual toll on her - and ALL those in her world. Which is why open, honest, sometimes humorous, sometimes direct, communication is so important.

Which is why the right card, with the right words, can be the boost desperately needed - at the right time.

I was lucky to find a fellow writer, a talented editor, and a fabulous collaborator to join me on this line. She is a fellow word-sister who has helped me broaden my designs and voice beyond my original vision. She’s made this creative mission a pleasure for me, inspiring me to write for all of us who want to find .. the right words.

Please meet A :