What to Say - Letter Writing Guidelines and Tips

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1. Race, Religion, Age, Type of Treatment, Cancer Stage, Dying
    The goal is to help each recipient regardless of race, religion, age, type of treatment, or
    cancer stage. For this reason, we are unable to hand out letters that are not universally
    appropriate. We encourage you to share your experiences and tell the reader you are thinking
    of them; however, please refrain from religious references and other non-inclusive wording.

    In addition, it may be difficult for someone newly diagnosed to hear about others who have died
    from cancer or other diseases. You can certainly mention your loved ones without necessarily
    sharing the outcome. For example, "My grandmother fought breast cancer and she liked to wear
    a different wig everyday."

2. Greeting, Signature, and NO Date
    The best way to start your letter is with “Dear Friend” or “Dear Sister.” We encourage you to
    sign just your first name and last initial (Gina M.). And because we don't know a distribution
    time frame, it's best not to date your letters or reference holidays/seasons.

3. Hand-Write Your Letter
    You are doing more than writing a letter, you’re sending a hand-made gift.

4. Stationery and Envelopes
    You may use any note card, stationery, or paper that can be folded or fits in our special
    GLM Envelope measuring 4.75” x 6.5” (announcement size). Each letter is place in a GLM
    envelope for distribution. You can also download our free custom Girls Love Mail stationery. -
    Download File.

5. Write From the Heart
    No matter how clumsy the words, if it comes from the heart you can’t miss!

Writing Tips

  • Begin your letter "Dear Friend" or "Dear Sister." We encourage children to encourage their age or grade level.
  • Think about someone you care about as you write the letter. You can also share your personal experiences.
  • Tell the truth. It's okay to say you don't know what they are going through.
  • Write in groups. Gather up your book club, school class, Girl Scout troop, fraternity (men can write too), bunco circle - you name it - and have a GLM Letter Writing Party! Writing together is helpful and fun, so we put together several downloadable Party Kits to make it easy. Each kit contains conversation starters, inspirational quotes, and wonderful sample letters - everything you need to get your group laughing, crying, writing and having a great party. We have kits tailored to women's groups, Girl Scout Troops, and school projects for all ages. Learn more.

What You Know:

A Woman
Recently Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Currently Going Through Treatment

What you DON'T Know:

Race                     Type of Treatment
Age                       Cancer Stage
Religion                 Prognosis
"A little encouragement in hearing from someone is so positive."
                                                        ~ Reyna L. (Letter Recipient)

MILE OF MAIL 2013

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Be part of the MILE OF MAIL 2013 campaign to
get out 5,280 letters this year! Plus stay connected with GLM & read responses from letter recipients.  

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