Author brings comfort through pillowcases and spoken word

Cindy Kerr, the force behind an international project for seriously ill children, was in town recently for a little pillow talk.

She made a stop at the Children's Specialty Center of Nevada April 28 to deliver colorful, handmade pillowcases and to read the story inspired by one of the most defining moments of her life.

Kerr started the nonprofit ConKerr Cancer three years ago in memory of her son Ryan, who died at 12 in 2008 after a long battle with osteosarcoma, or bone cancer.

The organization was stitched together by a mother's love and a cherished pastime that Kerr and her son shared.

When Ryan was diagnosed with his illness in 2002, the news came with long hospital stays.

"It was just boring," Kerr said of the visits.

To break up the monotony, Kerr, a quilter and sewer, made colorful pillowcases to brighten up his hospital rooms. Soon, other young patients requested them, and ConKerr Cancer, a Case for Smiles, was started.

Today, there are 17 chapters internationally, and more than 300,000 pillowcases have helped provide comfort to ailing kids.

The Nevada chapter of the organization has delivered about 4,500 pillowcases since June 2009.

Kerr's daughter Katie wrote the book "A Case for Adventures," which incorporates the pillowcases and her son's signature red high-top sneakers.

The book also addresses a common problem among ailing kids and their peers. When Ryan Kerr was diagnosed with cancer, he struggled with school mates' reactions.

"He would say, 'Kids don't know how to treat me,' " Kerr said. "(He said), 'I'm still the same Ryan.' "

A group of children with life-threatening illnesses at the Children's Specialty Center of Nevada, a nonprofit pediatric outpatient cancer treatment center at 3121 S. Maryland Parkway, Suite 300, heard Kerr read "A Case for Adventures" recently, and many had their new pillowcases draped over their shoulders as they listened.

"It has some power to it," Kerr said. "It lets the kids and families know there is someone there for them."

At participating hospitals and medical centers, ailing children receive a new ConKerr Cancer pillowcase with each stay.

The pillow cases have bold, kid-centric prints and are handmade by sewing groups around the country.

Kerr said she has heard stories of how pillowcases start to amass, and patients turn them into keepsake quilts. They've also joined the cause and helped make pillowcases for their peers.

Ryan Kerr helped make the cases and worked on the organization's website before his death . His mother said he never wanted the organization to be all about him.

Kerr said she doesn't view her nonprofit venture as something good that rose from a tragedy.

"It came out of love," Kerr said.

The Nevada chapter, headed by volunteer coordinator Natalie Fleischer, is always looking for people to sew or fabric donations to help local children.
"We wish there wasn't a need for it," Fleischer said. "I'm glad we make a difference. Everyone has been touched by cancer . This is a way to give back."

For more information, visit conkerrcancer.org , call 401-263-9976 or email conkerrcancerlv@gmail.com.

Contact Centennial and Paradise View reporter Maggie Lillis at mlillis@viewnews.com or 477-3839.