Cranes for a Cause

Etsy is not only a place for me to sell my hair accessories, it has also become a place where I have found many amazing friends through my membership on the EtsyNJ Street team. Most of us haven't even met yet our friendships continue to grow through social networking sites. When Cat of CatRocks posted a note about Cranes for Killian on facebook, I was amazed to see the response that she got. I had no clue how to make origami cranes but I knew I was going to figure it out and do it. It wasn't long before the status updates from my EtsyNJ friends were about learning how to make paper cranes! Here is the link to what Cat posted which gives you a little background on the request and some pictures of all of the cranes they have received. Cranes for Killian on Flickr The cranes are for an amazing teenage boy named Killian who just a few days ago, lost his long battle with cancer. I never met him but I feel like my life is that much better because I have learned of his story. Even though the battle was tough, he chose to LIVE each day. He started a foundation to help other children battling cancer and since he was a musician recorded an album entitled Somewhere Else which is currently being sold on Amazon and Itunes. Here is the link to the Killian Mansfield - Somewhere Else Fan Page on Facebook if you would like more information. Knowing about Killian when I saw the call for cranes I knew it was something that I had to do. The experience has given me so much perspective. If I am having a bad day or get disgusted with life, I think about that night I was folding cranes and become grateful for everything that I do have in my life!

Here is a picture of my origami cranes. When I first tried to make them I realized it was harder than it looks but once I got the hang of it they were pretty easy. The paper I chose was called harmony and I thought that was fitting for the purpose.

With my paper crane package I also included 2 headbands for Killian's sister. A few months ago, Cat had reached out to me to place a headband order for her to cheer her up. In this package I wanted to give something to her, I can't imagine what she must be going through and from what I heard, she was beyond excited to receive the headbands! I hope that they have received 1000 cranes, as I have been following the story it seems that cranes are coming in from all over the world and Cat is receiving 9-10 boxes a day. I hope they have exceeded their goal! It is amazing to me how 1 child's drive to live life everyday can inspire people to come together and do something as simple as folding paper. May Killian rest in peace and the story of his life continue to inspire everyone all over the world.