How it Works » Receive Cards » FAQ

1. I’m sure that there are a lot of people out there whose symptoms are more serious than mine. Is it really appropriate for me to participate as a card recipient?

   Whether you are pre-, post-, or in-treatment, we invite you to draw upon the extraordinary support that Compassionate Communications offers. Each time a patient participates, our community grows, and more patients and their families can hear about us and access the inspiration and support that can make a real difference for them. In addition, your participation can create a flow of donations to your chosen charity. And, most importantly, whether you are currently fighting to get healthy again or working to stay in remission, an optimistic focus can have an enormously beneficial impact. Receiving cards of caring and encouragement can help you stay focused on the positive.

2. It feels a little selfish for me to be receiving these cards without giving anything in return. What can I do to help?

   You are helping by participating! Time and time again, card writers tell us of how surprised they are by the many unexpected blessings they receive as a result of writing cards: inspiration, a sense of connectedness, peace, clarity, and an overall increased sense of well-being are some of the major ones. As you open yourself to receiving the cards, you set in motion a cycle of giving and receiving—you are in turn offering someone the opportunity to experience the healing that comes from writing them.

3. I’m worried that if I receive cards, there may be times when I might not have the energy—or desire—to respond. Do you think I can still participate?

   We have your well-being as our primary concern. Some card writers may choose to include an optional return addressed postcard in case patients wish to reply. Many do not. At no time are you expected or required to reply and card writers know this.

4. I see Compassionate Communications is based in California and I live in another state. Can I still participate?

   Yes! We consider affiliate organizations from all 50 states. Participation outside of the United States is not currently available, but we are working on it and hope to offer it soon.

5. I don’t see the charity that works with my illness listed as an affiliate. Can I still participate as a patient?

   Yes. You can either choose to have donations be directed to one of our current listed affiliates or consider waiting until your charity joins our program. If you’d like a charity to participate, let us—and them—know.

6. I’d like my charity to participate, what should I do?

   We do carefully manage the size of our patient, card writer, and affiliate organization communities at all times to ensure that we can continue to provide the highest level of service possible. To find out if there are organizational opportunities open, please have a representative call us at (888) 337-6416 or e-mail us.

7. I see that patients are asked to write bios for card writers to read. What should I put in mine?

   Reading other patient bios on the website is a great way to start. Common things to include are hobbies, educational and wellness goals, current health status, reading/movie favorites, and any other areas of interest to you. When you fill out your bio on our website, we provide additional prompting questions for you to consider.

8. Some months are better than others. What if I wish to stop receiving cards for a while?

   You have the power to opt in and out of the program of your own volition at the click of a mouse. If you wish to change your participation status, you can either hide your profile (and reveal it again later, if you wish) or cancel your account.