Medical Professionals Fold 1,000 Paper Cranes to Share "Words of Comfort" with Cancer Patients

MONTVILLE, CT, June 4, 2014 /3BL Media/– As part of Moore Medical’s annual education conference (EdCon), Giving Comfort – a program of the McKesson Foundation that provides care packages to low-income cancer patients – will issue a challenge to attendees to create one-thousand origami paper cranes with wishes and words of comfort for patients. These “Comfort Cranes” will then be shared with cancer patients and caregivers through Giving Comfort’s partners in 33 states.

This effort is part of Giving Comfort’s “Words of Comfort” initiative, where people can digitally post motivational messages, videos and photos for cancer patients currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment. To date, the program has received more than 2,300 submissions, with more being added every day.

Inspired by the true story, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, about a young cancer patient who draws comfort and hope through folding origami paper cranes, Giving Comfort is working to channel the energy and enthusiasm of conference attendees towards improving the lives of cancer patients through Words of Comfort.

“Small words of comfort can make a world of difference to a cancer patient during treatment,” said Elizabeth Howland, managing director of Giving Comfort. “The story of Sadako’s incredible effort against cancer inspired us to spread messages of hope and encouragement to cancer patients undergoing treatment across the country and to provide comfort at a time when they need it most.” 

During EdCon, attendees will have the opportunity to write words of comfort and create origami paper cranes at a booth during the conference. This initiative supplements Giving Comfort’s nationwide efforts to provide care packages for cancer patients of all ages to ease discomfort during painful and exhausting chemotherapy treatment. The packages, called “Comfort Kits,” are distributed through partners in 33 states including the American Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald Houses and Mayo Clinic, and are filled with essential comfort items including fuzzy socks, journals, tea and blankets, among others.

Each completed Comfort Crane will be added into Comfort Kits. In addition, Moore Medical will make a donation to Giving Comfort in recognition of the cranes created during EdCon.

EdCon’s focus is to help medical professionals enhance their organizations and improve the health and care of the people they serve. In partnership with Giving Comfort, EdCon attendees will be able to support their patients both medically and emotionally through the Words of Comfort initiative.

For more information on Giving Comfort and how to donate or purchase a Comfort Kit, visit: www.givingcomfort.org

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