Cards for Charlie

Just look at this face. This darling four-year-old boy, Charlie, is suffering from a rare skin condition called epidermolysis bullosa (EB). We all have two layers of skin, which generally are not meant to move separately. In people who suffer from EB, the layers do move separately, and the friction causes painful blistering all over the skin. It's been compared to third degree burns. Charlie is being treated by doctors at the University of Minnesota, and he'll be having a new type of procedure done that will give him new, healthy skin.

I first read about Charlie on Britta Swiderski's blog. She's taken it upon herself to organize a card drive for Charlie and his family (who are staying at the Ronald McDonald House). Please take a moment to read their story, and then I hope you will join me in sending a card to brighten this little hero's day.

Here's the card I made for him...

And here are some details on the card drive...

What to send:
Cards made by you, your friends, your loved ones, or your children. They can be as simple as a sheet of paper with “We’re thinking about you in Arizona!” on it to as elaborate as you want it to be.
How to send them:
Put your cards in an envelope inside the one you mail, but don’t seal it, just in case the parents want to look at them beforehand. Send your cards to
      Britta Swiderski
      P.O. Box 13130
      Minneapolis, MN 55414
When to send them:
Try to get them in the mail by Monday, February 21st, 2011. That gives you a full month to get your card (or cards!) ready!

For more details, please visit Britta's blog.

This story just breaks my heart, and I know that any of you with special kiddos in your life will feel the same way. Look around at all your blessings, and I hope you will be inspired. Your caring participation in this card drive will make a very sick little boy very happy!