Hallmark Rolls out Cards for Cancer, Eating Disorders and Depression
Last Thursday Hallmark launched a new line of cards for more serious topics, such as depression, eating disorders and cancer. The 176 card collection, called Journeys, is now carried in their 3800 Gold Crown stores. Cynthia Musick, the editorial director who oversaw Journeys, said the cards’ writing provides more personal messages of support, encouragement and hope.
Nothing says you care like a $3.00 card that took 5 minutes to pick out.
“Cancer is a villain who doesn’t play fair … but it can’t dim your spirit, and it can’t silence prayer.”
A cheesy cancer rhyme! Ugh…
Now, I live in Kansas City, so I have dear friends and family who work at Hallmark, and I like some of the things that company does. Like provide a paycheck to some of my friends and family. I also really like their “Fresh Ink” cards. But this seems like gross profiteering off people’s most troublesome sorrows.
I’d also like to add that if I’m ever clinically depressed and someone buys me a greeting card specifically addressing my depression in a rhyming manner, I might just end it all right there in front of them.
If there is EVER a time to sit down with a blank card or a sheet of notepaper and write your own words, by hand, it is when a friend is diagnosed with cancer or is dealing with a bad depression or bulimia.
To read more, see my take on the Hallmark Cancer Card at
http://www.assertivepatient.com/2007/02/field_trip_no_1.html
Feb. 18-24 Is National Blank Greeting Card Week.
Jeanne
what about bottling New York City tap water which comes down from the Catskills on the West Side of the City and is actually filtered rain water caught in the Central Park Reservoir on the East Side of the City, and selling it in France?
I mean of course that the bottles must be glass and have really good Belle Epoque graphics like Perrier bottles (or Perrier-Jouet or Laurent-Perrier champagne).
what do you think?
Just give me a royalty for the idea, please. Say, maybe35%?
Jeremy
you know, certainly it would be unfortunate to have someone you care about be diagnosed with cancer. Ideally one would be capable of sitting oneself down and writing a well thought out sentiment on a piece of paper to give to that person.
However, there are plenty of people that are indeed capable of expressing themselves in ways not written but may not feel as comfortable knowing what is appropriate to write, or even where to start. I find that these cards are great starting points to get ideas flowing for your own words, as well as helpful in simplifying the already daunting task of conveying your empathy without appearing condescending to your terminally ill friend. Give me a break, not everyone may be as in touch or as smart as you apparently believe yourself to be Jeanne.
Jeanne:
I am sorry to hear that if someone taking 5 minutes of their time and $3 of their money to express to you how they care about you might send you over the edge! I truly hope you are not clinically depressed!!!
When I was diagnosed with cancer, I was very blessed to receive words of encouragement and love in many forms from family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Some of those forms I have saved in my memory, some of those I have saved in my hope chest (no pun intended-I was diagnosed with breast cancer
in the forms of cards, letters, balloons and flowers.
I am a three year survivor so far and although I know I have a lot to fight for, the memories and the cards, letters, balloons and flowers continue to remind me that, no matter whatever illness (yes, I have been depressed at times), I have a lot to live for and that makes me smile!!!!
I came to this website looking for cards for our office to send to two ex-coworkers who have just recently been diagnosed with cancer. These cards are truly meant as forms of encouragement. These ex-coworkers have lived many miles away and we, as a group, want them to know that we are behind them. We all plan to give our contact information if they need anything-even if it calls for personal contact!!!!!
The five minutes of time that you took to listen to my opinion mean a lot to me!!!! Thank you
Jeannie,
I agree with you. ‘Matt in Chicago’ had no good reason to write, “..not everyone may be as in touch or as smart as you apparently believe yourself to be Jeanne.” You never wrote anything referring to anyone’s lack of intelligence. If Matt was truly honest with his feelings, the last part of his response would have been more to the tune of, “Since I have difficulty expressing my emotions, I need cards like this.” Instead he ‘felt’ the need to make a lousy remark which you did not deserve. Anger is an expression of fear. Maybe some day Matt will figure that out.
Sincerely,
Carol
One more thought to all of the above. How about picking up the telephone, or actually spending time with a loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer? Use a car, train, airplane, etc., whatever it takes.. A card or letter is just the starting point. People have taken time off from work for lesser reasons than visiting and supporting a loved one with cancer.
Carol
I suffer from clinical depression and one thing I have experienced over the year is that people even family members do not really know how to comfort me as depression is an illness I ‘d love to recieve an uplifting card,I feel special that cards are being made for depressed people,sometimes
people say things like ,oh you should be grateful to be alive or why don’t you just get out and do someting,as if I want to be clinically depressed.
These cards are being done to show that depression is recognized as a physical illness that needs treatment. A good suggestion I think is to ask people who are depressed etc what kind of cards they feel would be appropriate.
Some people may need a card that simply says I don’t really know what you may be feeling right now,but I love you and I’m always here for you…..of course people call and pick up the phone and visit when someone is sick,and when they visit they bring cards flowers and all that good stuff.
What I have always needed was real concern and ability to admit that one may not know what to say.
I do agree with the need for everyone to be close to those fighting cancer, the loneliness is overwhelming and can only be helped by having someone or as many people as possible, family or friends, around you all the time.
I am very happy to see these cards as I am fighting cancer now and know how happy it made me to get a card from anyone. I also have to say, all my cards had special messages written from each person. Sometimes when fighting this just one word or words can bring hope back. When a card of such is chosen you know even tho the words were written by someone else, they took the time to pick that card making it also their words. YOu go Hallmark and thank you from this cancer fighter.
I am in my 3rd year of remission from cancer. Believe me – I was thrilled that my family, friends, and even people I had not heard from for many years took their time (and money) to remember me in the way that they felt comfortable with. Emails, telephone calls, visits, cards, flowers, food, prayers….however they wanted to let me know that they cared about me was perfect on my end!
There is no right or wrong way to have cancer and there is certainly no right or wrong way to let someone know that you are thinking of them.
Some of you need to lighten up – if you don’t want to buy a card, then don’t.