(CHICAGO) – Paying it forward can start at any age, and one Chicago native is a tremendous impact.
Several years ago, Jen Rubino found herself sitting in a hospital bed feeling alone, isolated, and in pain. After undergoing over 20 surgeries due to a connective tissue and bone disease, Jen remembers receiving something that sparked an idea.
A simple card wishing her well allowed her to feel recognized, important and inspired.
“I wanted to be able to do that for other kids that were in similar situations,” Jen said.
Cards for Hospitalized Kids has become a global initiative that all started with just one card. Today, the organization has produced over 500,000 cards for kids all over the country who are experiencing short- and long-term medical care.
Jen pitched the idea for this to her school and friends, and it wasn’t long until they started putting pen to paper and getting creative. “
It really is a testament to how the smallest act of kindness can be some of the most impactful ones,” Jen said.
Thousands of cards are now being made all over the country by school-aged kids, other non-profits, companies, churches, and more— each card more unique than the last.
Many of all ages are getting into the fun as they put their own creativity and humor in them.
“Some people are so talented,” Jen says. “They will make pop-up cards, just things that you would never imagine could be made by hand, and so those stick out,” Jen adds.
From drawing some of these kids’ favorite Disney and Nickelodeon characters to even the actors of these shows themselves creating their own cards, many people are coming together for this mission.
Singers such as Demi Lovato, to U.S. Olympic Gold Medalists such as Aly Raisman, celebrities are also getting in on the fun.
“We've had a lot of celebrities, professional sports players and cheerleaders, Olympians, and more. We continue to try to get more people involved each year,” Jen said.
Jen’s success throughout this charitable project has landed her countless awards and recognitions. “Glamour Magazine” named Jen as a finalist of the Woman of the Year Reader's Choice Award. Rubino also has been awarded the George W. Bush's Point of Light Award; an honor recognized by the former president.
However, she says her proudest moments are seeing other children follow in her footsteps and pay it forward.
If you are ready to make your own card, you can start now.
Her website allows you to know exactly what they are looking for and where to send your cards once finished.
Hospitals such as Mayo Clinic and John Hopkins are awaiting to receive more cards each day.
Jen hopes all that hear her story know that starting your own charity is not an easy road but a rewarding one.