Believe it or not some people have already started to think about the approaching holiday season. Not me though… until today.
It was only when I was asked to consider purchasing my holiday cards through Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) that I opened my mind and my heart to an earlier holiday season start than usual. That’s because Roswell Park is once again running the Paint Box Project, where young patients paint holiday cards so that people may purchase them for charitable purposes. “In August 2010, seven year old Benjamin Heppel from Cheektowaga was diagnosed with leukemia,” said Katie Essner at the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation. “Still seeking treatment at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Ben was one of many pediatric patients who created a card (see inset) at an art party this year hosted by the Paint Box Project. His work was turned into a holiday card that, through its purchase, raises funds for compassionate patient support programs at RPCI that help patients, just like Ben.
If you’re going to be purchasing cards this season, just think about the impact that you can make by making a conscientious decision to support this admirable cause. Instead of buying the Hallmark special, you would be purchasing a truly unique card created by someone who would appreciate the sale more than anyone else, without question.
The holiday cards can purchased through the website paintboxproject.com, or in the Roswell Park Gift Shop in the hospital lobby or at RPCI’ partner’s retail store, Krepe-Kraft, located at 1755 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo.
