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How it started
In December of 2023, my friend and fellow breast cancer warrior, Judy surprised me with a little package in the mail. In it was a card, breast cancer stickers, a breast cancer keychain and a bracelet that said, “she doesn’t fight alone.”
I truly appreciated every gift I got during my treatment but getting something from a fellow cancer warrior just hit different!
Knowing how it made me feel, I wanted to keep it going! So I gathered up some supplies, whipped up some bracelets and keychains and sent them to some of my “Breasties”. They loved it. And I loved it!
As my circle of “cancer friends” grew, so did my desire to share. Cancer can be so isolating and lonely. And I hate that. I wanted to share with everyone but financially, that wasn’t an option. So I swallowed my pride, made a video and asked if anyone would be interested in helping. I was hoping that just maybe, a few people would. But suddenly, my phone was blowing up! Community members and random strangers were asking for my PayPal and Venmo!
I also heard the frustration of others. Not all cancer is pink. But if you do a search for cancer gifts, everything is for breast cancer. I had TikTok friends that had ovarian cancer, so I found teal ribbon charms for my teal sisters. Then blue, then red, then orange. And yellow and white! Currently, I have 22 different ribbon charm colors because I don’t care what your ribbon color is, all cancers suck!
And while connecting with others, I learned that chronic illness warriors have similar stories, treatments and side effects. So once again, Happy Mail expanded to include even more friends!
I may have started happy mail but our community is who keeps it going.
Nerisa
WHAT’S IN Happy MAIL
GET Happy MAIL
Happy Mail is completely free to the person receiving it, and yes, you can request a package for yourself or someone else. We open Happy Mail in batches because every package is funded by our community. and opening in batches helps us make sure we have the supplies and postage needed, while also giving us time to keep up with the requests.
Leave your name and email below, and when the next batch opens, we’ll send you an email with a link to claim a package.
A quick email tip: Add happymail@morethanadiagnosis.org to your contacts so our email doesn't get lost in your spam or promotions folder.
Have questions? We’ve got answers. Check out the FAQs below for more details about how Happy Mail works, what to expect, and what happens if life gets in the way.
Keeping Happy Mail Going
Happy Mail is completely community-funded. Every duck, charm, envelope, and stamp exists because people choose to help us keep it going.
There are real costs behind every package, from the things that go inside to the packaging and postage that get it to someone’s door. If you’d like to help us send more Happy Mail, you can support the program for about the price of your favorite coffee.
Every amount helps, whether it covers part of a package or helps us get a few more out the door. You can also help by purchasing something from our Amazon Wishlist.
Thanks for helping us keep Happy Mail free for the people who need it. We really couldn’t do it without you.
HELP KEEP HAPPY MAIL GOING
Because joy should be free but stamps, supplies, and tiny ducks still cost something.
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Amount
0/250
Leave us a note:
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW
Is Happy Mail really free?
Yes! Happy Mail is free to the person receiving it. The program is funded entirely by our community, which is why donations and wishlist purchases help us keep it going.
How will I know when I can order Happy Mail?
If you've signed up with your email, you'll hear from us when the next batch opens. The email will come from happymail@morethanadiagnosis.org and will include instructions and a link to place your order. Please make sure that you add us to your contacts so the email doesn't get lost in your spam folder.
⏳ How long does it take to arrive?
Happy Mail is packed and shipped by Nerisa in between work, family life, and, yes, probably some naps with her dogs. We send packages in batches, so timing can vary depending on the number of requests and available funding. We appreciate your patience while we work through each batch.
WHAT IF I MISS A BATCH?
If you've received an email from us saying your Happy Mail is ready, you've got 30 days to claim your package using the link in that email.
Life happens, and we know 30 days can go by quickly when you're dealing with cancer or chronic illness. If you miss the deadline, don't worry. Just reach out to us and we'll help you get a new link.
Once you place your order, you'll receive a confirmation email. Your package will be sent in the order requests are received, and you'll get tracking information by email once it ships.
📦 Will I get tracking info?
Yes! Once your Happy Mail is on the way, you’ll get an email with tracking details from happymail@morethanadiagnosis.org. If it shows as “delivered” but hasn’t arrived, please consider checking with neighbors or your local post office before reaching out.
💕 Can I nominate someone else to receive Happy Mail?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure you include their complete mailing address, and maybe give them a heads-up that something special is coming their way.
My charm or keychain broke—can I get a replacement?
We’re so sorry that happened! Each piece is handmade with care, but not designed to last forever. Happy Mail is meant to be a small, meaningful moment—not a forever keepsake.
We aren’t able to send free replacements but if something broke or got lost and you’d like a new one, you’re welcome to purchase a replacement for $10 to help cover materials and shipping. Just reach out and we’ll get you set up.
💰 Are donations tax-deductible?
More Than a Diagnosis is a DBA of Cancer and Chronic Illness Collective, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by the law. Our EIN is 39-4890739
A LITTLE SOMETHING
GOES A LONG WAy
Every duck you see on this map marks a place where Happy Mail has landed. What started as a small idea to brighten someone’s day has grown into something really special. These ducks have made their way across the country, and each one is a reminder that none of us are in this alone.
Whether you’re here because you’re waiting for your own Happy Mail, helping us keep the program going, or just cheering us on from the sidelines, we’re glad you’re here.