The Cherish Society | Chronic Illness Kindness Community

How It Began

Hi friends,

I wanted to take a moment to welcome you to The Cherish Society and share a little bit about where this idea came from, and what I hope it becomes.

Years ago, my parents started something by the same name. It began with them delivering meals to elderly folks in our community and realizing that so many of them were isolated, getting by with one meal a day, with no one checking in on them. So they started collecting donations, putting together gift bags, opening care homes, and eventually creating something bigger. All from a desire to let people know they weren’t forgotten. That always stuck with me.

And lately, I’ve found myself feeling that same need again. Especially after spending years navigating my own chronic illness and learning firsthand how invisible that experience can make you feel. Not just physically, but in the moments when you’re dismissed, doubted, or simply not believed.

Everywhere we look (on the news, online, even in our communities) there seems to be so much negativity, division, and heaviness. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or discouraged, like the world is losing its softness. And for those of us living with invisible illness, that weight can feel even lonelier.

But I believe kindness still matters. Joy still matters. And people still need to be reminded that they’re not alone.

Even when their illness makes them feel like they are.

The Cherish Society is my way of offering that reminder.

It’s not a business. It’s not a program. It’s simply a space to share small acts of love, whether that’s through joy mail, local gift drops, affirmation cards, or quiet words of encouragement. It’s also a place where invisible experiences get witnessed and stories that have never been told finally find somewhere to land.

My hope is that this space feels like a hopeful landing place. Somewhere to come when life feels loud or frustrating, or when you just need to feel seen. And maybe, over time, it’ll grow into something more. Maybe others will join in and help spread light in their own ways too.

But for now, this is a gentle beginning.

Your illness may be invisible. But you are not.

You are welcome here. You are enough just as you are.

And you are worth cherishing.

💌With love,

The Cherish Society