Cancer Survivor From Somerville Designs Holiday Cards For A Cause

SOMERVILLE, MA – A year after completing her treatment for a rare form of leukemia, 28-year-old Somerville resident Jess Moran is collaborating with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to fund research through holiday gifts. Moran is among the artists who designed holiday cards for the 2017 Dana-Farber Holiday Cards & Gifts fundraiser. Describing herself as "not an artist," Moran said she jumped at the opportunity to help out the staff at Dana-Farber, who she sees as family.

"They literally saved my life," Moran said. "I text with my doctors and nurses all the time." One of her doctors, she said, became a justice of the peace so she could officiate Moran's wedding over the summer.

Moran was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a rare type of cancer found in fewer than 200,000 Americans a year, in February 2014. She used creative outlets like drawing and writing to help her cope during her 25 months of treatment.

"Anytime I get the chance to do something creative I feel like it's a good outlet and therapeutic tool," Moran said. So when the Dana-Farber staff was looking for patient artwork, Moran submitted a snowflake.

Hers is one of 13 cards designed by area artists, photographers and patients. The gift collection includes a Luca and Danni Tree of Life bracelet, Douglas Addie the caramel labradoodle puppy, with a bandana designed by a pediatric patient at Dana-Farber's Jimmy Fund Clinic, Aunt Sadie's candles and New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox-themed ChemArt holiday ornaments.

All of the benefits from the Holiday Cards & Gifts sale will benefit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.

"Dana-Farber Holiday Cards & Gifts is a wonderful way for people to do their holiday shopping and give back to a worthy cause," Larry Lucchino, chairman of the Jimmy Fund, said in a release. "All of the of the cards and gifts in Dana-Farber’s holiday collection raise critical funds to support patient care and ground-breaking cancer research at Dana-Farber."

Click here for more information about the Holiday Cards & Gifts sale

Photo submitted by Jess Moran