At Cancer Kickers Soccer Club, connection and encouragement are at the heart of everything they do. One of the most meaningful ways they reach out to the children in our community is through the Comfort Cards program. Each week, around 20 packages of these personalized, uplifting notes are sent to teammates—children battling cancer or in remission—all over the world. These cards are a small but powerful gesture, designed to remind recipients that they are not alone and that an entire community is cheering them on.
The Comfort Cards program is about more than just sending a cheerful message. It’s about offering encouragement at times when it’s needed most. The cards often arrive as a surprise, providing an unexpected boost of positivity. Many parents have shared stories with us about how these cards seem to show up at just the right moment, on days when their child is struggling or feeling down.
One parent wrote, “I just wanted to say a very big thank you for all the letters that you've sent to Beatrix. She appreciates them SO much. She keeps all your letters and also the envelopes (as they show that they've been sent to her all the way to England across the ocean) displayed on her notice board. You are AMAZING!” These stories remind us of the profound impact a small gesture can have. Whether it’s a simple note of encouragement, a funny drawing, or a heartfelt message, these cards carry a reminder that the recipient is not alone and that an “army of people” is rooting for them.
The Comfort Cards program relies heavily on the support and creativity of volunteers, making it a true community effort. Every Wednesday, our office opens its doors for what we fondly call "Writing Wednesday." On this day, volunteers from all walks of life stop by to help create cards. Some come in for just 10 minutes, while others stay for an hour or more. No matter how much time they can give, their efforts make a huge difference.
Writing Wednesday is more than just a volunteer opportunity; it’s a chance for people to come together for a shared purpose. Soccer teams, church groups, corporate teams, and other organizations frequently join us, using this as an opportunity to earn service hours while contributing to something deeply meaningful. For many, it’s a chance to slow down and reflect on the importance of kindness and connection.
One volunteer shared, “Writing these cards is such a simple thing, but knowing they might brighten someone’s day makes it feel so impactful. It’s a way to give back, even if you don’t have a lot of time.” Volunteers take the time to write personal messages, decorate the cards, and create something that will bring joy to a child and their family.
Each card sent through the Comfort Cards program is created with the recipient in mind. The goal is to ensure that every teammate feels seen, valued, and supported. Messages are often filled with words of encouragement, playful doodles, and reminders that the recipient is strong, brave, and never alone. It’s about more than just the words on the card—it’s the spirit of connection and care that comes through.
“Our Comfort Cards are small, but they carry a big message,” explains Chris Clothier, co-founder of Cancer Kickers. “They remind our teammates that they’re part of something bigger—a community that cares about them and wants to see them thrive. It’s always amazing to hear how much these little notes can lift someone’s spirits.”
The cards are packaged and sent to children across the globe, connecting them to a network of support that transcends distance. It’s a simple yet profound way to make an impact, showing children and their families that they are surrounded by love and encouragement, even from people they’ve never met.
One of the unique aspects of the Comfort Cards program is how easy it is for anyone to get involved. Writing Wednesday is open to everyone, and the process is simple. Volunteers can drop by for as long as their schedule allows, making it an accessible way to contribute. For those who can’t make it in person, there are also opportunities to organize card-writing events remotely, allowing even more people to take part in spreading encouragement.
Groups like sports teams, church organizations, and corporate offices often participate, bringing their members together for a day of service. Not only does this help Cancer Kickers reach more children, but it also strengthens the bonds within these groups. “It’s always inspiring to see how much people put into these cards,” says Michelle Clothier, co-founder of Cancer Kickers. “The time, thought, and creativity they bring to each message really show how much they care.”
For many volunteers, the experience of creating Comfort Cards is deeply rewarding. It’s a simple act of kindness, but one that has a lasting impact on the children who receive them. Whether it’s a drawing of a soccer ball, a message of hope, or just a cheerful “You’ve got this!” the cards convey a sense of care and connection that stays with the recipient long after they’ve opened the envelope.
The impact of the Comfort Cards program goes far beyond the children who receive them. Parents often share how much these small gestures mean to their entire family, reminding them that they are not facing this journey alone. The cards also inspire the volunteers who create them, showing how even a small act of kindness can make a big difference.
Each week, as roughly 20 packages of Comfort Cards are sent out, the Cancer Kickers community grows stronger. These cards are a testament to the power of connection and the difference that can be made when people come together with a shared purpose. For the children who receive them, the cards are more than just a note—they’re a symbol of the community that surrounds them, cheering them on every step of the way.
“Our teammates might be spread out across the world, but through these cards, we’re reminding them that they’re part of something bigger,” Michelle adds. “It’s about showing them that they’re never alone, and that there’s a whole team of people rooting for them.”
The Comfort Cards program at Cancer Kickers is a shining example of how small acts of kindness can create a profound impact. Each card carries a message of encouragement, a reminder of community, and a spark of hope for the children and families who receive it. Through the dedication of volunteers and the support of the broader Cancer Kickers community, these cards continue to make a difference, one note at a time.
Whether you’re writing a card, organizing a group event, or simply cheering from afar, every effort contributes to the powerful message that no child faces cancer alone. The Comfort Cards program is a testament to the strength of connection, showing that sometimes, the simplest gestures carry the greatest meaning.
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