These days, a greeting card is just as likely to arrive by email or social media as it is via the mailbox, but for Central resident Kohne Keen, there’s nothing like the real McCoy.
Last summer, this big-hearted crafter put her artistic passion to work and began making handmade greeting cards for patients at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Offering words of encouragement and original colorful designs, Kohne creates sentiments meant to lift the spirits of anyone experiencing the cancer journey.
“I just love making cards, and I thought cancer patients could use a boost to their morale,” said Kohne (pronounced cah-nee). “I lost both parents and my 51-year-old son-in-law to cancer, so it’s an issue close to my heart.”
A lifelong crafter, Kohne began making greeting cards when she was moved to do something for patients at the Alexandria Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. Her late father had spent time there as a young man after contracting tuberculosis following his service in World War II on a destroyer in the Pacific. During an extended, two-year stay at the hospital in his early twenties, he met Kohne’s mother, whom he would later marry.
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“Can you imagine being in the hospital for two years,” mused Kohne, 67.
She has not only sent cards to the Alexandria VA Medical Center, but also to troops stationed around the world.
It was a project she thoroughly enjoyed, and it made her wonder who else she might send cards to. That’s when she reached out to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center.
“I really have a soft spot for cancer patients,” Kohne said. “I want them to know that they matter.”
Kohne regularly drops off bundles of handmade cards to the cancer center’s Essen Lane location. She estimates she’s made at least 400 since last fall. Brightly colored and often cut into fun shapes and styles, the cards are placed in baskets at the front desk and other locations throughout the building. Patients’ families and caregivers are welcome to grab a card at any time for their loved ones. Moreover, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center team members can also pick up cards to give to patients who might be feeling low.
"I just really want people to know that someone is thinking about them" - Kohne Keene
Kohne spends hours poring over her craft table, creating fresh designs with bright paper she finds online or in hobby stores. And she works while battling her own challenge, a 40-year fight with Parkinson’s Disease. Even with fine motor limitations, Kohne makes an effort to inscribe every card with a heartfelt message.
“It’s very hard for me to write, but I might write, ‘Stay strong,’ or ‘You can do this,’” she says. “And in every card, I write, ‘You matter to me,’ and my signature as a smiley face. Because everybody matters to me.”
Mary Bird Perkins relies on numerous dedicated volunteers like Kohne who contribute their time, skills and compassion to support patients and their families, says Danielle Mack, vice president and chief development officer. In fact, the cancer center exists because of the community’s generosity.
"Philanthropy shines through in countless ways, through generous gifts, dedicated volunteer hours or by creating heartfelt cards like these," Danielle said. "We are grateful for the many ways that supporters like Kohne support our mission. Their generosity helps provide the life-changing care that makes such a profound difference in our patients' lives."
Kohne is proof that everyone has something unique to share with those in need. She’s turned her passion into small, but significant gestures that make a big difference in the life of a patient.
“I just really want people to know that someone is thinking about them,” she said. “And that I appreciate what they’re going through.”
