Introducing... Cranes of Hope
When local resident, Jeanne Reeve, was
going through chemo treatment after her cancer diagnosis, she saw a boy folding
origami cranes for his mother. She learned his action was based on the ancient
Japanese tradition of ‘senbazuru’ which promises that a person who folds 1000
cranes will be granted a wish – such as a long life or recovery from illness.
The crane was chosen - as it is a symbol of hope, peace, healing and longevity. Feeling inspired by this tradition Jeanne
folded 1000 cranes and gave them as a thank you to
her support team.
Filled with appreciation and ‘wanting to give back’ led
Jeanne (and her friends) to make 2000 more origami cranes. These cranes were
attached as a centerpiece to small, inspirational, decorative cards. The first Artist Trading Cards had been created and were given to cancer
patients -- Cranes of Hope was born.
Then in 2014, Jeanne’s Art of
Healing class she attended was cancelled
so she took Cranes of Hope to
another level. Members of the art class met
to make the Artist Trading Cards. Since that time, cancer survivors, caregivers
and volunteers meet regularly at various locations to create the Cranes of Hope trading cards. To
date over 45,000 cards have been made and distributed to various hospitals and
clinics in the Twin Cities area. Underneath it All will have monthly Create Workshops on June 16 and July 14.
