The Alternative Press

Children’s Hospital of New Jersey (CHoNJ) was recently visited by ConKerr Cancer, an organization dedicated to making cheerful pillowcases for sick children in hospitals nationwide. ConKerr Cancer held a pillowcase making party called, “A Case for Smiles,” for patients on the pediatric unit and their families on August 8. Overall 50 colorful pillowcases were made and given to the young patients to take home. The organization brought sewing machines and a variety of fabrics to choose from, some with cars and cartoon characters for younger children, others with peace symbols and other designs for adolescents and teens. Since January, ConKerr Cancer has donated 100 pillowcases a month to CHoNJ.

“The kids were very excited and it was a great craft even for families with infants because all ages can enjoy a new pillowcase,” said Anne Reilly, Director of Child Life at CHoNJ. “We are grateful to ConKerr Cancer for a fun day and a thoughtful project that can be taken home and enjoyed.”

In five years, ConKerr Cancer has delivered over 500,000 pillowcases to sick children in hospitals across the country. ConKerr Cancer started when Cindy Kerr’s son was diagnosed with cancer in 2002 and she began making pillowcases to brighten up his hospital room and to put a smile on his face.  He loved it and so she began making pillowcases for other children on the Oncology Unit. The pillowcase project, A Case for Smiles, has grown to include school groups, sewing circles, church groups and fabric stores who are all making pillowcases for the kids.