Kids Battle Cancer Through Design

I’m always amazed and inspired by the artwork children create. Even more so when it’s for a worthy cause.

Earlier this year Ouchies Bandages sponsored an art contest where kids from around the country submitted designs with messages of hope and healing to battle pediatric cancer. Ouchies’ CEO, Ian Madover explains, “Kids with cancer get pricked many times a day, and we thought it only makes sense to put the two together.”

Hundreds entered, thousands voted online, and five winners were recently chosen to be featured on the new line of bandages to be released this summer, as part of the Ouchies for Others campaign. 100% of the profits will be donated to three national pediatric cancer care organizations.

Below are the winners, whose artwork will be featured on the Fight Against Pediatric Cancer line of bandages:

Tenia Richardson • Age 9 • Michigan
“Love is Cure”
I believe with enough love you can cure anything to make a brighter day.
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Laura Vargas • Age 10 • San Antonio, Texas
“You Can Be Pain Free”
I wanted to do this because I had cancer myself so I wanted other kids not to let themselves down, and show them that you can have fun during cancer treatment and never give your hopes up… and look cool with my bandage.
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Erin Lisk • Age 12 • Howell, New Jersey
“Never Give Up”
My Mom had cancer and even though it was painful, she never gave up. Now she is happy and healthy.
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Sammy Smith • Age 13 • Sandusky, Ohio
“You’re Almost There”
Just remember that every time you get a poke or surgery that you are one step closer! That’s what keeps me going!
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Amber Moosvi • Age 17 • Des Plaines, Illinois
“Broken Bear”
The picture that I made represents two things. The Teddy Bear with a bandage and the feel better soon balloon represents that I’m not completely better but soon I will be because my broken bear has a bandage. The stars represent all of the people who support me in my battle with Brain Cancer. I couldn’t fit everyone because I have so many people supporting me and I appreciate them so much.
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“We are thrilled that so many children entered our contest, and were truly touched by the beautiful designs and stories they created and shared with us,” says Jennifer Saporta, Director of Sales & Marketing at Ouchies. “The Ouchies for Others program has given us the unique opportunity to work with amazing organizations dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children with cancer. We are beyond honored to be able to partner with them and help to increase their tremendous efforts in the fight against pediatric cancer.”

All contest entries can be seen at www.ouchiesonline.com/bandage-art-contest.

I’ll admit I’d never heard of Ouchies before I learned about this contest, but I definitely plan on picking some up. In addition to this great kid-designed line, they have scads of other varieties, all of which are unique as well as fun. They will be a welcome change from the over-saturated and over-marketed Dora/Batman/SpongeBob options you find at most stores. Go here to find the store closest to you that carries Ouchies.

For more information on the beneficiaries or to make a donation, visit The Childhood Leukemia Foundation (www.clf4kids.org), Cookies 4 Kids’ Cancer (www.cookiesforkidscancer.org), and The American Childhood Cancer Organization (www.acco.org).