The Impact of Letter Writing on Children with Bone Cancer

The "Make It Better" (MIB) initiative is a letter-writing group founded by Elizabeth "Betsy" Murnan, inspired by her family member Anne Graham, who battled osteosarcoma. The program aims to provide emotional support to children diagnosed with bone cancer by sending personalized letters. Murnan, along with fellow retired teachers Lou Ann Restad, Nancy Knoell, and Karen Droegemueller, has dedicated their time to writing letters that resonate with the experiences of young patients. Each month, the group receives a list of 38 patients to whom they send curated letters, fostering a sense of connection and encouragement.

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The letters have made a significant impact on recipients like Ian Michaud, a young patient from Maine who has undergone two amputations and extensive chemotherapy. Michaud expressed excitement upon receiving the letters, noting that they are personalized and provide a sense of understanding regarding his condition. His mother, Kristin Michaud, highlighted the joy and anticipation that comes with receiving mail from the MIB agents, emphasizing the importance of knowing that others care about their struggles.

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The MIB initiative underscores the value of traditional letter writing in an age dominated by digital communication. Ian Michaud remarked on the joy of receiving physical letters, stating, "It's fun to actually receive hard things, not just staring at a screen and scrolling." Murnan reflected on the nostalgia of letter writing, describing it as an art form that they aim to pass on to younger generations. The group's mission is centered around encouragement, with Droegemueller stating, "We are in the business of encouragement," emphasizing the emotional heart behind their efforts.

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The MIB team encourages others to engage in letter writing, hoping to inspire more individuals to reach out to those in need. They believe that these letters not only uplift the spirits of young patients but also foster a sense of community and support. The initiative serves as a reminder of the profound impact that simple acts of kindness can have on individuals facing significant challenges.

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While the MIB initiative has received positive feedback from recipients and their families, some may argue that digital communication methods could be more efficient in reaching a larger audience. However, the MIB group maintains that the personal touch of handwritten letters provides a unique form of connection that digital messages cannot replicate.

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• "It's been very exciting, I love opening them." — Ian Michaud, Patient

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• "It's nice to know that there's a lot of people out there caring about us." — Ian Michaud, Patient

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• "We are in the business of encouragement." — Karen Droegemueller, MIB Volunteer

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• "It's fun to get the letters, it's different than being on social media." — Ian Michaud, Patient

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The Make It Better initiative exemplifies how traditional letter writing can create meaningful connections and provide emotional support to children facing serious health challenges.

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