Postmarked with Love is an opportunity for volunteers anywhere to provide individuals with Fanconi Anemia (FA), caregivers, those grieving, and others affected by FA with words of hope, comfort, and love through handwritten notes as they are going through especially difficult times.
There are two ways to participate in spreading the love:
1. Nominate folks for the Postmark recipient list.
2. Make cards or notes for those on the list.
If you know anyone impacted by FA who could use a little extra love and support as they navigate a difficult time, make sure to nominate them for the Postmark recipient list. They will receive a surprise envelope filled with handwritten cards and notes from volunteers who want to spread the love. No identifying information about the recipient will be shared with volunteers.
Thank you for your interest! Here’s how it works:
Once signed up to volunteer, you will automatically be added to our volunteer email list. You will receive quarterly emails that will direct you to the Postmark recipient list – those who will receive cards that quarter. You must sign up as a volunteer to access the list of recipients.
We offer virtual 10-minute orientation sessions where you can get to know the heart of FCF and the Postmarked with Love Program. If you are a new volunteer, schedule an orientation to learn more about how to participate in this program and tips and tricks for creating cards. For large groups, private events, or corporate events, we do require an orientation session with at least one participant.
Sometimes it can be difficult to know what to say to someone who is going through a challenging time for fear of saying the wrong thing. That’s why we created a guide with some suggestions of what to say and what not to say.
There are a few things to keep in mind when making cards:
Fanconi Cancer Foundation
PO Box 770
Star, Idaho 83669
Send cards without individual envelopes or in unsealed individual envelopes, within a packet containing all the cards. If you make a card for a specific individual, please indicate the individual’s number on a separate note for FCF staff.
Cards and notes must arrive at FCF by the following deadlines:
2024
May 20
August 12
November 11
If your card arrives late, we will still send it to the recipient, however, it will not arrive with the rest of the cards that we sent.
Postmarked with Love was thoughtfully designed and created with the assistance of Angela Bedoya, community advocate, and former FA Adult Council member. Noticing that her peers felt isolated and alone in their struggles, Angela dreamt of a creative way to ensure people felt seen, connected, and loved. Out of her deep empathy and commitment to making a lasting impact within this special community, Postmarked with Love was created.
Through this program, Angela’s legacy of love and compassion continues to touch the lives of those she cared for so deeply.
In loving memory of our dear friend, Angela Bedoya, 10/8/22.
All you need is a pen, paper, envelope, and a stamp. Notes and cards can be as simple or as creative as you want them to be. Sometimes it may depend on how much time and energy you have to offer. Remember that these letters are very impactful for those receiving them. A short and sweet note is better than no note at all! If you’re super crafty you may want to use additional supplies.
No, but we do encourage folks to join for the first one if they can. This is a time where volunteers can ask questions, get ideas for cards, and hear about those who were nominated for the recipient list.
Anyone! This is an opportunity for people from all backgrounds and walks of life to participate is sharing love those impacted by Fanconi anemia. We welcome anyone from within the FA community and those who had never heard of FA before now, to participate in spreading the love.
Children and adults with FA, caregivers, parents, guardians, siblings, and those grieving the loss of a loved one with FA that are on the recipient list.
No. You may send as many or as few notes as you’d like. We will make sure that everyone on the list gets cards.
It can be difficult to know what to say, but you still want to help, right? Scroll up to check out the guide about what to say. You can always call us for suggestions if you are unable to find what you need on the guide.
Fanconi Cancer Foundation
PO Box 770
Star, Idaho 83669
No, but it does help us keep track of our volunteers if everyone registers. If you are hosting a card making party and your guests are not registered as volunteers, you may send all the cards together under your name. Alternatively, individuals may send their own cards to FCF, and if they include contact information staff will reach out to them to inquire about volunteer registration.
We ask that you do not share your personal contact information in the card or letter. You may sign your first name.
Just let us know via email: info@fanconi.org.
