Case for Smiles

School's out and the pillowcases are IN! Over 500 handmade pillowcase masterpieces from the amazing students at Valley Forge Middle School (Ryan's Alma Mater) and T/E Middle School are packed up and ready to bring smiles to children in the hospital. Our hearts are full❣️

"He was quickly diagnosed with Heart disease so we are in and out of the hospital quite a bit. Ryan’s cases are an absolute highlight when we stay in the PICU. Though staying is unfortunate, we are enlightened to add a unique case to our special collection and trade them in and out at home! What an amazing idea and a warm way to bring the individual love into a patients room. Thanks so much Ryan and family!" - A grateful mom

Today, we remember Ryan, whose joy and courage became the heart of Ryan's Case for Smiles.

Ryan was full of energy, mischief, laughter, and a spirit that could light up even the hardest days. Though he faced countless surgeries and years of chemotherapy, he never let his illness define him. He always had a smile, a joke, or a way of helping others find joy right alongside him.

Every single day through Ryan's Case for Smiles, we see Ryan in the faces of the children we serve, strong, courageous, resilient, and still just wanting the chance to be a kid.

His legacy lives on in every pillowcase delivered, every family supported, and every smile shared during difficult moments.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Ryan.

You continue to inspire comfort, hope, and joy far beyond what you could have ever imagined.

What an incredible tradition... we couldn't be more grateful to receive these pillowcases and pass them along to support more children and families. Thank you, Tanner!

Repost: Case for Smiles - Hershey

Tanner underwent a significant surgical procedure at Hershey Children's Hospital during his infancy and on his grandma’s birthday. The first picture shows him with his family and the pillowcases he received during his hospital stay. On his grandmother Elaine's birthday, they have continued the tradition of creating pillowcases for Case For Smiles. Tanner is now a thriving 9-year-old. Thank you Tanner and Grandma Elaine🩷

In honor of we're busting myths. Myth 2: "I should be able to cope with my emotions on my own." False! From time to time, everyone experiences life events, like the illness of a child, which overload the ability cope. Learn more at https://bit.ly/2LCxJMn

Smiles were contagious at the Los Angeles County Fair last month, where our Ryan's Case for Smiles L.A. volunteers helped attendees sew hundreds of cheery pillowcases to brighten the day of a child. Their booth was so hot, even the fire department stopped by to lend a helping hand 🚒

Look closely. 👀 "The best antidepressant is a sewing machine and a room full of fabric." We are pretty sure this t-shirt was made for our volunteers. Shoutout to our incredible partner in crime, Jody, pictured, and every single person who gives their time, talent, and humor🙂, to get the job done! Grateful for every single one of you! 💙

One pillowcase + one tiny, precious smile equals the sweetest bundle of joy. Seeing faces like this is what inspires us to keep stitching comfort, one pillowcase at a time.

Great things are happening in our Las Vegas chapter, where volunteers in Sun City Anthem recently hosted a sewing day and completed over 150 pillowcases in one afternoon. That's a whole lot of cutting, pinning, sewing and ironing- and a whole lot of smiles. Thank you! ❤️