Not much compares to the life-altering news of a cancer diagnosis. Most patients describe it as a very isolating, depressing, and scary experience. This has certainly been the case for my best friend who’s been battling it for some time now.

As loved ones, it’s hard to know how to help. (Sometimes I feel just as powerless as she does and I’m not the one who’s sick!) Because my friend and I are on opposite sides of the country, I can’t be with her in person as often as I want to, can’t go to every chemo treatment, can’t even give her a hug as she cries. But one thing I can do—that we all can do—is put pen to paper for a personal, caring touch.

That’s why I’m so excited to share Girls Love Mail, a charity that collects hand-written letters of encouragement, bundles them, and sends them, via the caring staff at cancer centers and programs, to women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Since 2009, the organization has touched the lives of over 90,000 women.

For the cost of a stamp and 15 minutes of time, you can bring hope and healing to another lady who may have no support system, no family, no friends. (Think for a minute how cruel and unfair that is!) I truly believe that nobody should have to battle illness alone. A few kind words and a smiley face can make a world of difference for someone in need. Surely, that’s not too much to ask…

Girls Love Mail welcomes children’s drawings and positive letters from groups or individuals, written in any language (special request going out for Spanish). Download their free stationary and start writing, ladies!