September, 2006 - Sixth Birthday of the HUGS and HOPE Foundation!

Send this press release to your local media to help spread the word and make more people aware of our mission to help sick children:

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A special website delivers cheer to the bedsides of sick children

When Marsha Jordan learned of a young boy with a brain tumor, she asked all her friends to pray for him . . .  but she wanted to do more.  "After considering what resources I had," said Jordan, "I knew I could not do a lot, but I could do something; and I  was determined to do whatever I could." 

With the permission of the little boy's family, Jordan created a web page with his photo and story.   By sharing his story on the internet, she hoped others would send cheery mail to the boy or assist his family in any way they could. What began as one grandma's single handed effort has now grown to a network of over 3,000 volunteers nationwide.

And that one web page that appeared five years ago? It's now grown to a site consisting of hundreds of pages featuring sick children around the globe!   This is the story of The HUGS and HOPE "Club" for sick kids.

Thousands of people all over the world regularly log on to the web site now to learn about children who need some smiles and to check updates of "club kids." One volunteer commented to Jordan, "This is the best possible use of the Internet I've found. ''

Jordan also says, ``Parents tell me that this is a tremendous gift and it means so much to their families.'' 

The children are excited to receive their own mail and the volunteers love shopping for small gifts chosen especially for each child.  Each child has his own web page with his story, a list of interests and hobbies, a photo, and other information.  The site also features a wish list where kids can post their dreams.  One volunteer commented, "It's heartwarming to know that I'm bringing a little joy into the life of a suffering little one."

Jordan is thrilled that her simple idea has blossomed into a huge network of caring people around the world who are making a difference for children.  ``It makes me feel good that my efforts touch people so personally,'' she says. Jordan encourages anyone who cares about kids to join the club and become a hug-giver and hope-builder.  Log on to The Hugs and Hope Club  web site at www.hugsandhope.org.  All it takes is a little love and the cost of a postage stamp to make a child's day. And one of the smiles you create just might be your own.