Ryan's Case for Smiles

Ryan’s Case for Smiles (CFS) is one of the few volunteer organizations solely dedicated to helping sick children cope with the stress of their illnesses and injuries. While doctors focus on the medical needs of the children, few resources are available to provide comfort to the child. Case for Smiles provides whimsical pillowcases and hospital sewing days that give children an emotional boost and remind them they are not defined by their illness. Case for Smiles has national reach serving children and families in over 330 hospitals across North America. Our work has expanded to helping families survive the emotional crisis of a child’s illness while building resiliency to minimize the symptoms of Post- Traumatic Stress (PTS). Today each of the over 200,000 pillowcases delivered each year contains an insert card that directs parents to PTS internet resources for self-assessment, referrals, and evidence-based coping tools.