Hi, I'm Sarah Lister. (Kerstin’s sister)​
In 2016, I was quite unexpectedly diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. My life was saved by a bone marrow transplant. After 127 days in the hospital, I realized that many patients are isolated with little support during their stay. This inspired me to create The Zinnia Project.​
​​​To give back, I founded The Zinnia Project in 2017, my privately run charity to deliver cheer to blood cancer patients and their caregivers.
Each month I bring in:
* baskets of toiletries and supplies
* art therapy coloring kits
* inspirational cards and quotes
Plus, each Christmas we give Kerstin's Zinnia tote bag filled
with a journal, pen, highlighter, hand sanitzer, KN95 mask, and special gifts.
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I never knew that most hospitalized cancer patients cannot have any live plants or flowers in their room. My sister helped me create holiday tote bags with a hand-illustrated Zinnia bouquet, so now patients and their caregivers can have a safe and lovely “bouquet to go."
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Here's some lovely news coverage of The Zinnia Project:
WLEX Heroes Among Us - Dec 2024
Daily Points of Light - May 2024
WKYT news segment - June 2023
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Follow on Facebook: The Zinnia Project
BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY!
Please select from the options below. Be sure to write in the PayPal notes the name and street address of each person you are honoring with your gift. If you have any questions, please email Sarah at ZinniaProjectSarah@gmail.com
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$25 - Sponsor a beautiful Holiday gift featuring Zinnia bouquet artwork by Kentucky and Connecticut artist Kerstin Rao.
$50 - Sponsor five “Mini Zinnie” patient welcoming kits that include a supply of toiletries and comfort items.
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$100 - Sponsor a Large Patient Basket full of comfort bedside essentials and art supplies for special patients who have limited resources and support.
Want to donate a different amount to help fund the continuation of Zinnia Projects in 2025? Great! More info below.