More Than a Card: How ICW Is Spreading Joy at Seattle Children’s Hospital

When children are battling cancer or serious illness, birthdays can feel like just another day in the hospital — surrounded by wires, IV drips, and missed celebrations. That’s why, at International Children’s Wellness (ICW), we set out to change that with something simple, meaningful, and full of heart: handmade birthday cards. 

This summer, ICW launched a birthday card initiative for patients at Seattle Children’s Hospital, and the results were beautiful — in every sense of the word.

Bringing the Celebration to Them 

For many of these young patients, spending a birthday in the hospital means missing parties, friends, and normalcy. Our goal was to make sure they still felt seen, celebrated, and loved — even from afar. 

Volunteers from ICW chapters around the region came together to create over 100 custom birthday cards, with each one carefully written, decorated, and filled with positive messages. Some had jokes, some had drawings, and some simply said: "You’re not alone. Happy Birthday." 

One volunteer made 40 cards singlehandedly, showing how big an impact one person can have with just paper, markers, and compassion. 

Why a Card Matters 

You might wonder: what difference can a card really make? 

To a child in the middle of chemotherapy, it can mean everything. A card is more than paper — it’s proof that someone out there is thinking of them, cheering them on, and wishing them joy. That kind of emotional support is not a luxury. It’s a part of healing. 

This initiative reminded us all that wellness goes beyond medicine. It’s also about emotional comfort, human connection, and the small acts of kindness that lift spirits during the hardest days. 

Our Ongoing Commitment 

This project is just one of the many ways ICW works to support children’s physical and emotional health. Whether through advocacy for earlier screening, community events, or creative outreach, our mission stays the same: 

To make pediatric care more compassionate, more equitable, and more human. 

We’re proud to support hospitals like Seattle Children’s — and we’re just getting started. 

How You Can Help 

• Join our next card drive and make birthday, holiday, or “just because” cards. 

• Donate to help us expand outreach projects like this one. 

• Apply to volunteer at ICW. 

Because sometimes, one card can brighten a day. A stack of them can change lives.