Postmarked with Love is an opportunity for volunteers anywhere to provide individuals with Fanconi Anemia (FA), caregivers, those grieving, and others affected by FA with words of hope, comfort, and love through handwritten notes as they are going through especially difficult times.
There are two ways to participate in spreading the love:
If you know anyone impacted by FA who could use a little extra love and support as they navigate a difficult time, make sure to nominate them for the Postmark recipient list. They will receive a surprise envelope filled with handwritten cards and notes from volunteers who want to spread the love. No identifying information about the recipient will be shared with volunteers.
Thank you for your interest! Here’s how it works:
Once signed up to volunteer, you will automatically be added to our volunteer email list. You will receive quarterly emails that will direct you to the Postmark recipient list - those who will receive cards that quarter. You must sign up as a volunteer to access the list of recipients. These emails will also contain registration links for upcoming volunteer orientations.
These quarterly, thirty-minute sessions are both informational and informal. You may come prepared with your crafting supplies to make cards during this time, or just bring a pen and paper to take notes. Feel free to invite your friends and family to register as well. The more, the merrier!
Maybe even consider hosting a virtual or in-person card making party with your friends and family! Not crafty? No problem! All you need is a pen, piece of paper, envelope, and a stamp to participate. A simple and heartfelt note on a piece of paper means the world to the person receiving it. Refer to the Postmark recipient list in your email to address your cards to specific individuals. If you prefer, you may also send us general cards that may be sent to anyone on the recipient list.
2023 Orientations
Sometimes it can be difficult to know what to say to someone who is going through a challenging time for fear of saying the wrong thing. That’s why we created a guide with some suggestions of what to say and what not to say.
There are a few things to keep in mind when making cards:
Fanconi Anemia Research Fund
C/O Postmarked with Love
360 E. 10th, Suite 201
Eugene, OR 97401
Send cards without individual envelopes or in unsealed individual envelopes, within a packet containing all the cards.
If you make a card for a specific individual, please indicate the individual’s number on a separate note for FARF staff.
Cards and notes must arrive at FARF by the following deadlines:
2022
November 14
2023
February 20
May 22
August 21
November 13
If your card arrives late, we will still send it to the recipient, however, it will not arrive with the rest of the cards that we sent.
Angela Bedoya
Postmarked with Love was thoughtfully designed and created with the assistance of Angela Bedoya, community advocate, and former FA Adult Council member. Noticing that her peers felt isolated and alone in their struggles, Angela dreamt of a creative way to ensure people felt seen, connected, and loved. Out of her deep empathy and commitment to making a lasting impact within this special community, Postmarked with Love was created.
Through this program, Angela’s legacy of love and compassion continues to touch the lives of those she cared for so deeply.
In loving memory of our dear friend, Angela Bedoya, 10/8/22.
What do I need to participate?
All you need is a pen, paper, envelope, and a stamp. Notes and cards can be as simple or as creative as you want them to be. Sometimes it may depend on how much time and energy you have to offer. Remember that these letters are very impactful for those receiving them. A short and sweet note is better than no note at all! If you’re super crafty you may want to use additional supplies.
Is the volunteer orientation session mandatory?
No, but we do encourage folks to join for the first one if they can. This is a time where volunteers can ask questions, get ideas for cards, and hear about those who were nominated for the recipient list. It’s also a nice opportunity for building community among our volunteers.
Who can volunteer?
Anyone! This is an opportunity for people from all backgrounds and walks of life to participate is sharing love those impacted by Fanconi anemia. We welcome anyone from within the FA community and those who had never heard of FA before now, to participate in spreading the love.
Who are these cards/notes for?
Children and adults with FA, caregivers, parents, guardians, siblings, and those grieving the loss of a loved one with FA that are on the recipient list.
Do I have to make a card for each recipient on the list?
No. You may send as many or as few notes as you’d like. We will make sure that everyone on the list gets cards.
I’m scared of saying the wrong thing, do you have any suggestions?
It can be difficult to know what to say, but you still want to help, right? Check out this helpful guide. You can always call us for suggestions if you are unable to find what you need on the guide.
Where do I send my cards?
Fanconi Anemia Research Fund
C/O Postmarked with Love
360 E. 10th, Suite 201
Eugene, OR 97401
Do all card makers need to be registered as a volunteer to participate?
No, but it does help us keep track of our volunteers if everyone registers. If you are hosting a card making party and your guests are not registered as volunteers, you may send all the cards together under your name. Alternatively, individuals may send their own cards to FARF, and if they include contact information staff will reach out to them to inquire about volunteer registration.
Can I put my personal contact information in a card?
We ask that you do not share your personal contact information in the card or letter. You may sign your first name.
How do I remove myself from the volunteer email list?
Just let us know via email.
Feel free to contact Rosie Holcomb, Family Services Program Manager with any additional questions that you may have.