Two years ago, I spent my 26th birthday in the ICU. As my third-line cancer treatment, powerful CAR T-cells were attacking the stubborn cancer that had failed to respond to chemotherapy and radiation. Those days in the ICU were a blur, as but I do remember feeling emotionally and physically exhausted. After all, we did not know whether I would live to get married, finish graduate school, or pursue a career I would feel passionate about.

Now two years later, I can proudly say that I have managed to do all that and more. Inspired by a care package left by a survivor upon being admitted for CAR T-cell therapy, I founded the nonprofit Kits to Heart, which gives thoughtfully designed, curated cancer care kits to patients and caregivers. Since graduating with my Master's during the pandemic, I have been dedicating my time to paying forward the kindness that I had received as a young Chinese-American woman. That package gave me so much hope and motivated me to keep going through truly the most challenging period of my life.

Since starting our efforts during the pandemic, Kits to Heart has donated 1,250+ cancer care kits to 11 hospitals in Maryland and D.C., and shipped to nearly all 50 U.S. states. It's crazy to think about how that one act of kindness has allowed me and many others affected by cancer to feel loved, comforted, and cared for during unimaginably difficult times. Cancer is already isolating. We can and need to care better.

You can help to pay kindness forward! For my 28th birthday, I am humbly asking you to support our mission. Any amount donated helps and will bring a smile to someone in need. Thank you!

(If you're curious about the impact shown above, ginger can help to reduce nausea, which is a common side effect of cancer treatments. We also include vegan hand and body lotions to help with sensitive, dry skin. Packaging includes our white gift boxes, tissue paper, stickers, and more! Each item truly is curated with a specific purpose and comes from the heart.)

About Kits to Heart

Founded in May 2020, Kits to Heart distributes thoughtfully designed, curated cancer care kits to hospitals and cancer centers in the Baltimore/Washington Metro Area community, as well as ships directly to families nationwide. Its mission is to bring smiles and solidarity to those affected by cancer, one kit at a time. Learn more at kitstoheart.org.

Kits to Heart (EIN: 85-0767060) is a tax-exempt §501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, donations to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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Follow our impact in the community @kitstoheart on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn!

Sonia's Birthday Fundraiser for Kits to Heart

Help Kits to Heart reach more hospitals!

Team Members