Enloe Cranes Project 
Lifting the spirit and symbolizing hope with a community cancer
awareness and prevention project
Our Cranes Project culminated in the Cancer Awareness Fair Saturday,
April 30, 2005 at the Chico Mall. The health fair featured educational
booths with health experts; guest speakers; and beautiful displays
of the more than 25,000 paper cranes folded by more than 9,000 people
in our community.
Background
Getting Involved (Note: This project
has now ended.)
Cranes in Classrooms
Cancer Education & Support
Thank You, Wishgivers!
Background
Enloe Cancer Center in January 2005 launched the Enloe Cranes Project,
a communitywide effort to fold thousands of origami cranes, with
the goals of increasing cancer awareness, teaching about prevention
and creating a community of healing and support for cancer patients,
their families, and anyone touched by cancer.
The idea for this art project came from Japanese folklore in which
it is said that one's wish will be granted with the making of one
thousand paper cranes. People who fold cranes are encouraged to
reflect on someone they know who has had cancer affect their lives,
or even to write the individual's name, along with a wish, message
or prayer, so the cranes take on a richer meaning.
When completed, the birds were displayed at the Cancer Prevention
& Awareness Fair on April 30, 2005 at the Chico Mall. The community
folded 25,000 cranes for this project. Local artist Gregg Payne
designed the display and guided the installation. In May 2005, the
cranes will be moved to the Cancer Center, where they will continue
to inspire patients and families undergoing treatment.
Getting Involved
How can I participate?
Update: The Cranes Project has now ended, but here is information
we provided during the project.
There were many ways to get involved: learn to fold, host a folding
session, become a trainer, involve your school
or organization in folding, or help prepare cranes or set up for
the Mall event. Another important way is to learn
about cancer, prevention and support.
Is it difficult to fold origami cranes?
It can be tricky at first, but it is easy once you get the hang
of it. It's easiest to learn by watching someone else who knows
how to do it.
Where can I buy Origami paper?
- House of Rice, 338 Broadway St, Chico, (530) 893-1794
- Ellis Art & Drafting, 122 Broadway, Chico, 530-891-0335
- For larger quantities try www.craftsetc.com.
How can I turn in cranes?
The deadline to turn in cranes was Friday, April 8, 2005 by 5:00
p.m. We asked participants to count their cranes and lay them flat
in a box or bag; and to write their name or group's name, phone
number and the number of birds on a piece of paper inside the box
or bag, as well as on the box or bag.
Will my organization get recognition for folding cranes?
Individuals or groups submitting 200, 500 or 1,000 cranes received
recognition, if requested.
Cranes in Classrooms
Crane folding can be done as a stand-alone art lesson or service
project, or it can be used to reinforce the curriculum, making it
a service-learning project. Ideas:
- Teach students to write haiku, and have them write one on the
crane before folding it.
- Teach a specific verb tense in a foreign language, and have
students write phrases using that tense on the crane.
- Use the activity to reinforce the study of angles in math.
- Read students the story Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
before folding.
- Incorporate it into a study of WWII and the bombing of Hiroshima
(which is the setting for the story of Sadako and the Thousand
Paper Cranes ).
- Tie the project into a health unit
To have a volunteer lead your students through a lesson on
folding paper cranes, contact Kathy Knas at 530.891.3104, x223.
Plan on approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour for the lesson and folding.
All materials will be provided.
Cancer Education & Support
Just about everyone knows someone who has had cancer, but many
people are uncomfortable or scared to talk about it. The Enloe Cranes
Project provides an opportunity to learn more about cancer, prevention,
treatment options and the wealth of support resources available
around Chico. Each of us can make choices that reduce
our chance of developing cancer. Together we create a
community of healing and support that lifts the spirit and symbolizes
hope for cancer patients and their families.
Do you feel like you'll get cancer no matter what you do?
There seem to be a lot of conflicting information coming out that
cites different causes for different kinds of cancer. While scientists
are working hard to figure these out, we do know that the risk for
cancer goes up when people do certain things, like smoke cigarettes
-- but sometimes there is no clear reason.
- A person does not need to have done something "bad" to get cancer.
- Cancer is not contagious, but some forms do have a
link in family through genes/heredity. If your family has this
history, speak with your doctor about risks and participate in
regular screenings. Genetic counselors can be of benefit with
some types of cancer.
Early detection is key to successful treatment. The
Enloe Cancer Center recommends the following screenings:
Mammograms yearly for women age 40 and older
Fecal occult blood tests yearly for people age
50 and older
Flexible sigmoidoscopy to detect colon cancer,
every five years for people 50 or older
Colonoscopy every 10 years for people age 50
or older
Pap smears yearly for women by at least age 21
(Screening intervals may change based on an individuals' risks
and history of negative exams.)
PSA blood tests and rectal examinations
for men age 50 and older
What can you do to prevent cancer?
Eat right! No single food has been linked to causing
cancer, but foods that contain large amounts of antioxidants, phytoestrogens,
vitamin A& C and lycopenes show promise in preventing or neutralizing
small amounts of cancer cells. So eat your broccoli, fruits, tomatoes,
onions and garlic, and drink green tea. In addition:
- Try to eat at least five fruits and vegetables daily, and wash
them well before eating.
- Follow a diet low in saturated fats. (Unsaturated fats -- olive
oil, avocados, nuts --are okay.)
- Don't overload on red meat.
- Avoid sugary, highly processed foods, such as pre-packaged or
fast foods.
- Choose foods in their natural forms. These are raw, slightly
cooked, high in fiber, or whole-grain foods, such as carrot sticks,
raw almonds, cooked soybeans and apple slices.
Exercise! Even 10 minutes twice daily can reduce
the risk of cancer. Regular exercise improves health.
It strengthens our immune system and makes us less prone to depression
and stress. Do something fun with friends and exercise
at the same time -- play golf, go bowling, go for a walk or toss
a Frisbee. It can be as simple as parking a few rows farther from
the mall or avoiding the drive-thru when stopping for lunch.
Wear sunscreen! Many changes occur in cells before
they become cancerous. Ultraviolet light from the sun can start
these changes, so wear a hat, sunglasses and long sleeves and try
to minimize exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the
day -- even on cloudy days! Monthly self-checks are important, especially
for people with a family history of skin cancer. Look in areas that
you might not think get a lot of sun (soles of the feet, palms and
buttocks), and those that get quite a bit (top of the head, ears,
nose, arms and legs). For more info on skin checks, call the Cancer
Access Line at (530) 332-3808.
Is it safe for people who have cancer to be around others?
At times during treatment patients are more susceptible to infection
and fatigue, and at those times socializing might need to be modified.
However, research from Stanford documents the importance of remaining
"connected" to others when dealing with cancer. Friends, family,
support groups and spiritual affiliations can all be helpful. It's
important to feel "useful" even when traditional roles of wife,
mother, breadwinner, husband, or father may change due to illness.
Activities such as volunteering or hobbies like gardening or playing
bridge can help maintain a sense of self outside of the "person
with cancer."
Are you unsure of what to say to a friend who has cancer
-- that you'll say the wrong thing or make him or her sad or angry?
It is normal to be at a loss of words with someone who has cancer,
but it is important not to avoid a friend because of that uncertainty.
Most people with cancer feel some degree of social isolation during
their treatments. Often they just need someone to listen. Refrain
from telling stories about others you know who have had cancer.
Everyone is different, and these stories may not be helpful. Respond
from your heart! Here are some ideas:
- "I'm not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care."
- "I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this."
- "Please let me know if I can help."
Enloe's Cancer Connections and the American Cancer Society
offer classes and support groups that can help families and friends
who are caring for somone who has cancer.
Cancer Connections Programs for Education and Support
Cancer Connections Case Management Team -- Medical
social workers and volunteers provide one-on-one support for patients
and families with specific needs. 530-332-3854
Women's Cancer Support Group -- Meets on the
first and third Tuesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at
the Enloe Cancer Center Library. Snacks are served. 530-332-3855
Prostate Cancer Support Group - American Cancer
Society program for men with prostate cancer or prostate concerns.
Families, close friends and wives welcome to attend. Meets third
Thursday of every month at the Enloe Conference Center, 1528 The
Esplanade. 1:00 p.m.: educational presentation on the biology of
prostate cancer (for men newly diagnosed), 3:00 p.m.: Support Group.
Call ACS at 342-4567, option 3, for more information.
Living Well Support Group -- For individuals
and family members experiencing cancer or other serious illness.
Meets Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m. in the Enloe Cancer Center Library.
530-332-7367
VIVA! A support program for youth living with loved ones
who have cancer --Presented in partnership with the American
Cancer Society and the Boys & Girls Club of Chico. For more
information, call the American Cancer Society at 530-342-4567, option
#3.
R.A.D.
- Recreation and Dreams for Kids with Cancer offers free
recreational opportunities monthly for children being treated for
or recovering from cancer. Families are welcome. 530-332-3171.
BRIDGES -- Bringing Resources, Information and
Direction to Greatly Empower Survivors is an e ducational
series that offers workshops and classes for patients and their
families. 530-332-3855.
Enloe
Cancer Center Library -- The most varied and specific
cancer information available north of Sacramento, and it is free!
Reference materials, books, CDs, videos, booklets, brochures and
user-friendly Internet access with cancer-specific sites already
bookmarked. 530-332-3856
More details about Cancer
Connections and support
groups are also available on this website. For information about
medical services and technologies at the Enloe
Cancer Center, call the Cancer Access line at 530.332.3808,
or email cancer.access@enloe.org.
Thank You, Wishgivers!
Enloe Medical Center sends a special thanks to the groups and individuals
whose contributions made wishes come true for the Enloe Cranes Project!
We also sincerely thank the many individuals who submitted origami
cranes anonymously. Those listed below gave at least 200 of the
paper birds. Apologies to anyone we may have missed. In total, our
community folded about 25,000 origami cranes in support of cancer
patients and their families. Thank you for promoting awareness,
prevention and hope!
Contributed more than 2,000 cranes:
Pleasant Valley High School
Contributed 1 ,000 or more cranes:
Betty Smith for Faye Crowe
Bidwell Jr. High School
Chico High School
Chico Junior High School
Federated Church of Orland
Marigold School
McManus Elementary
Ophir School (in Oroville)
Rosedale Elementary School
Team 4 - CSU Chico
Contributed 500 or more cranes:
American Language & Culture Institute-CSUC
Bidwell Jr. High Explorer's Team
Citrus Elementary-After School Program
CSU Leadership 200 with the Boys and Girls Club of Chico
Emma Wilson Elementary
Vicki Tsuchida for Diana Byers
Windchime of Chico & Marsh Junior High
Contributed 200 or more cranes:
Beta Sigma Phi
Beth Murray
Champagne Group
CSU Department of Education
Delta Theta Phi
First Lutheran Church-Orland
Focus on the Future
Girl Scout Troop 92
Janice McCullough
Jean Ujki-Walker
Joan Maxwell
Lance Hackney
Mollie Collins
North Valley Rose Brushes
Notre Dame School
Orland High School
Parkview Elementary
Ruth Epperson
Soroptomists (Chico)
U.S. Sea Cadet Corps
Wound Care Nurses
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