Paper Cranes For Cancer

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A paper crane at Smith Center's program space

Our program space at Smith Center for Healing and the Arts is home to 3,500 colorful paper cranes that symbolize community, hope, and healing in a time of difficulty. They were created by people all over the world in honor of Kirby, a woman whose life was cut short by an aggressive form of ovarian cancer at 28. Join us in sharing the gift of community and hope with others by making a paper crane to share with one of our participants.

Learn to fold a paper crane

We invite you to contribute to our collection of cranes of caring with the colorful paper enclosed in your recent mailing. Send one back to Smith Center to be a gift of hope for someone who is in the process of healing, and keep one for yourself as a reminder that you are a part of a powerful community.

Download our step-by-step instruction guide or watch the video below.

Post your photos on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram with hashtag #PaperCranes @SmithCenterDC!

Consider making a gift to support our programs & participants

We depend on your generosity to provide life-affirming classes and workshops that offer hope to so many. Please give what you can this year to help our programs continue to thrive and serve those who need them.

To make a donation, please visit out donation page.

Thank you so much for your generosity.

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your donation is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. You will be sent a formal tax letter.


Here are a few of the ways Smith Center programs make a difference to those facing life’s most difficult challenges:

“I feel empowered to make my journey my own.”

“This workshop gave me the opportunity to acknowledge that I have cancer in a setting that is so positive and supportive.“

“I enjoyed the sense of community that Smith Center created.“

“I always enjoy the all-around sensory experience at Smith Center, the peace, stillness and the deep commitment to creativity in healing.”


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