Handwritten Inspiring Letters for Cancer Patients

Earn verified service hours by creating heartfelt messages of encouragement:

10 handwritten letters = 1 verified service hour
1 handmade special or pop-up card = 1 verified service hour (see tutorials below)

Help brighten the day of adults affected by cancer by writing thoughtful letters and creating handmade cards filled with encouragement, hope, and kindness. A heartfelt message can remind someone they are seen, supported, and never alone during treatment and recovery. Please review our sample letters and writing guidelines below before getting started.

Project Guidelines

We are looking for handwritten, uplifting letters that recipients can read and treasure. Letters should:

Begin with a friendly greeting such as "Dear Friend," "Hi Friend," or "Hi There,"
Be thoughtful and personal (without sharing personal contact information)
Include the phrase "on behalf of Sonia and Kits to Heart"
Follow the tone and style of our sample letters below
Be handwritten (not typed or photocopied)
Be written on cardstock, greeting card-sized paper (approximately A9 or 5¾ × 8¾ inches or smaller), or inside a greeting card

You are welcome to repeat your own letters or artwork across multiple cards.

Greeting Cards

Store-bought greeting cards are welcome if you add your own handwritten letter and artwork inside.
To earn 1 full service hour, special or pop-up cards must be handmade. Store-bought pop-up cards are not eligible for service hour credit.

Envelopes

Envelopes are not required when submitting your letters or cards. If you'd like to donate larger mailing envelopes, please purchase them directly from our Amazon Wish List.

We Cannot Accept

To ensure every recipient feels welcomed, respected, and supported, we cannot accept letters or cards containing:

Religious or spiritual references
"Get well soon," "quick recovery," or similar messages
Calendar dates or references to specific holidays (unless requested by Kits to Heart)
Stories about someone you know who passed away from cancer
Pencil or bright highlighter writing that is difficult to read
Notebook paper, lined paper, printer paper, construction paper, or index cards
Photocopied or printed letters
Very short notes containing only one or two quotes (for service hour submissions)
Requests for ongoing correspondence or pen pal relationships

Handmade Card Tutorials

Looking for inspiration? Explore these ideas:

Special Tutorials

Cartoon pop-up card

Suggested Materials

Kits to Heart earns from qualifying Amazon purchases, which supports our mission at no extra cost to you.

White cardstock
Colored cardstock
Scrapbooking paper
15-pack Zebra pen/highlighter
Scrapbook paper and stickers
Glue stick and scissors for the scrapbook paper
Inspirational stickers
Motivational stickers
Floral stickers
Dried pressed flowers
For large groups: colored cardstock (pack of 250), washable markers (pack of 40)

Samples

Zoom in to view in detail; view more samples here—log out of your school/work account if having access issues!

Suggested Messages

Use these as inspiration. Feel free to personalize, mix phrases, or write in your own voice while keeping the tone kind, hopeful, and supportive.

1 — I hope this note brings a little light to your day. You are stronger than you know, and your courage is truly inspiring. I’m thinking of you and sending warmth, comfort, and kindness your way. On behalf of Kits to Heart, I hope these gifts remind you how deeply cared for you are.

2 — Just wanted to send a note to brighten your day. Your strength and positivity are so inspiring to others, even strangers like me. Thank you for sharing your courage with the world. On behalf of Kits to Heart, I hope these gifts bring you comfort, joy, and a small reminder that you are not alone.

3 — I hope this message finds you surrounded by kindness today. You have a beautiful strength that shines through even in difficult moments. Thinking of you and sending love and encouragement your way. On behalf of Kits to Heart, I hope these gifts bring you peace and comfort.

4 — I hope today gives you even a few moments of peace and ease. You are brave, strong, and full of light, and your resilience is truly inspiring. Wishing you comfort and brighter moments ahead. On behalf of Kits to Heart, I hope these gifts bring warmth and a smile to your day.

5 — I wanted to send a small reminder of how incredible you are. Your courage, kindness, and perseverance shine so brightly, even on the hardest days. You inspire more people than you know. On behalf of Kits to Heart, I hope these gifts bring you comfort and a little extra happiness today.

6 — I hope this message brings you a moment of brightness today. You have such strength and spirit, and it makes a difference just by being who you are. Thinking of you and sending care your way. On behalf of Kits to Heart, I hope these gifts bring warmth and encouragement.

How to Submit

Please follow these steps to ensure your work is received!