Angel Shoutout: Jen Rubino

Jen Rubino: Cards for Hospitalized Kids

Our very first “Angel Shoutout” goes to Jen Rubino, who started the charitable organization “Cards for Hospitalized Kids.”

When she was only 11 years old, Jen was diagnosed with a poorly understood connective tissue disorder. While most middle-school students worry about school, friends, and sports, Jen’s days were filled with surgeries, treatments, and doctor visits. Jen fought just to survive, dreaming of living the life that her peers were taking for granted.

After recovering from her 13th surgery, Jen received a card and a blanket from a complete stranger. Not only did this gesture put a smile on her face, but it helped Jen regain hope during her time of need.

Jen never forgot the feeling she got from that small act of kindness.  This gesture opened her eyes and inspired her to do something meaningful with her life.  In March of 2011, Jen started an organization called Cards for Hospitalized Kids.

Jen Rubino is given an Angel Shoutout for starting “Cards for Kids” – a charity which gives cards to hospitalized children.

Cards for Hospitalized Kids began with a simple dream of giving hope and joy to ill children, but it has turned into a nationwide organization that has given handmade cards to more than 4,500 kids in more than 40 hospitals across the United States. People from all over the country are involved with Cards for Hospitalized Kids, including:

• Sororities/Fraternities
• Community groups
• Sports teams
• Families
• Friends
• Celebrities, including Lauren Conrad, IndyCar racer, Graham Rahal, and World Champion gymnasts Shayla Worley and Aly Raisman

Each card is unique, just like each of the children who receive them.  It may be hard to believe that a gesture as simple as a card can do so much good, but it does. We see it time and time again.

According to Jen, “Seeing a picture of a child holding one of our cards and smiling ear-to-ear, even though they are in a world of pain and suffering, is all the motivation it takes to keep Cards for Hospitalized Kids going and growing.”

Do you know someone who is also making a difference?
To recommend someone in your community with an Angel on his/her shoulder, email Rebecca at [email protected].