Over the summer I learned about the MD Anderson Cancer Center Children’s Art Project. The project started in 1973. A volunteer thought it would be a great idea to turn the artwork from the pediatric center into Holiday cards. In the thirty years the project has been around, the product line has expanded to not only cards but iPhone cases, jewelry, stationary, clothing, home decor, and more for purchase on the Children’s Art Project site. Through the sale of merchandise featuring designs created by young cancer patients, the program funds important programs that touch more than 26,000 pediatric patients and families, current or past to help them return to normalcy. Every year, new artwork is selected, voted on, and turned into new products for the shop.
Images from childrensart.org
While I was looking at the online store, my oldest was sitting on my lap and stopped me when I came to the Hearts and Flowers Domino Necklace designed by Kierra. She asked if I could buy her one some day because it is very pretty and she really likes it. Each artist has a bio on the Children’s Art Project to let you know his/her story. We sat together and read the story of the artist, Kierra. I didn’t really tell her what cancer is but I explained that the necklace started as a picture that a little girl who was sick drew while she was trying to get better. I told to help raise money for the center she went for treatment, her picture was chosen to go on this necklace. Her artwork was on other products as well and we looked at those. My daughter received a sample in the mail, which happened to surprise her on her birthday! It has a wire clasp chain. She LOVES it.
Cancer. It’s touched many of our lives whether we had a loved one, a friend, a parent, or even a child who has battled the nasty disease. Every time my daughter wears the necklace, it reminds me to cherish every day with my girls. I’m happy to learn about this uplifting Project and will be making future purchases to help the programs they fund.
To help programs at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, shop or donate by clicking the links. Learn more about the Children’s Art Project: Mission, FAQ’s, Artist Bio’s, News and Events, Facebook, Twitter
As we get closer to the Holiday’s, check back for a Holiday edition featuring The Children’s Art Project Products.
Disclaimer: I received sample products to review. All opinions, unless noted, are my own.
Tastefully Childish 
Leave a Reply