Healing Hearts with Holiday Cheer: Teen Cancer Survivor Sends 771 Christmas Cards to Soldiers Overseas
In Wingham, Ontario, Marah Gibbons is spreading the warmth of the holiday season with a heartfelt mission. Putting the finishing touches on 771 Christmas cards destined for Canadian soldiers stationed overseas, the 16-year-old surpasses her own annual goal by about 300 cards. Gibbons, who battled leukemia and spent Christmas 2020 in the hospital, understands the loneliness of being away from loved ones during the festive season.
I was in the hospital with leukemia over Christmas in 2020. It was COVID. We had nothing to do because we were stuck in a room. So, I started writing military cards," Gibbons shared. Despite overcoming leukemia and being in remission, Gibbons remains dedicated to her Christmas campaign, which she initiates as early as October.
In each card, she inscribes a heartfelt message, "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Wingham," along with a personalized note or inspirational quote. Every card is unique, reflecting Gibbons' commitment to making a personal connection with each recipient. The soldiers, stationed in locations like Jerusalem, Germany, Bahrain, and Cyprus, will receive these tokens of holiday spirit, thanks to Gibbons' efforts.
While the Canadian government covers the postage, it's Gibbons who invests time and energy to ensure that those serving overseas feel remembered and appreciated during the holidays. Reflecting on her altruistic endeavor, Gibbons notes, 'It's kind of calming knowing that they're going somewhere special, and each soldier is probably going to keep that.' In her act of generosity, Gibbons not only brings joy to those far from home but also exemplifies the resilience and compassion that define the holiday spirit.
In conclusion, Marah Gibbons, the resilient teen cancer survivor from Wingham, Ontario, has exemplified the true essence of the holiday spirit through her heartfelt Christmas card campaign for Canadian soldiers stationed overseas. Surpassing her own annual goal by crafting 771 unique cards, Gibbons, who experienced Christmas in a hospital room while battling leukemia in 2020, understands the poignant significance of being away from loved ones during the festive season.
Despite overcoming her health challenges and achieving remission, Gibbons continues her compassionate mission, starting the Christmas campaign as early as October. Each card carries not only a universal message of "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Wingham" but also a personalized note or inspirational quote, highlighting her commitment to forging a personal connection with each recipient.
The soldiers deployed in distant locations, including Jerusalem, Germany, Bahrain, and Cyprus, will receive these tokens of holiday cheer, thanks to Gibbons' dedicated efforts. While the Canadian government covers the postage, Gibbons invests her time and energy to ensure that those serving overseas feel remembered and appreciated during the holidays. Gibbons' altruistic endeavor not only brings joy to those far from home but also serves as a heartwarming reminder of the resilience and compassion that define the true meaning of the holiday season.