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Jen Rubino

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Jen Rubino
NationalityAmerican
EducationMaine South High School Georgetown University George Washington University
Known forFounded Cards for Hospitalized Kids

Jen Rubino (born 1994 or 1995) is the founder of the American charity Cards for Hospitalized Kids (or CFHK for short) which helps seriously ill children through handmade cards.[1] Rubino's own experiences in the hospital inspired her to start CFHK.[2] She has shared her story and that of her charity, Cards for Hospitalized Kids, in publications around the USA and world. Rubino attended Maine South High School, and is now a student at George Washington University in Washington D.C. [3][4]

Background

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Rubino began gymnastics at age four, and quickly developed a love for the sport. She began competing at a young age, and dreamed of one day going to the Olympics. However, at age 11, doctors discovered that pain in her wrist originally thought to be from a sports injury was actually from a connective tissue and bone disease. She was forced to end her career in gymnastics, and began treatment for her condition.[5] In the years following, Rubino underwent over 20 major surgeries, and was frequently in and out of the hospital, where she saw firsthand the struggles faced by hospitalized kids.[6] In February 2011, Rubino was in the Intensive Care Unit in the hospital, recovering from a very difficult surgery. She was facing a very difficult time, and receiving a handmade card really brightened her day. This gave her the idea of starting her charity, which she started soon after.[7]

Since inception, Rubino's charity has achieved nationwide impact and over 5000,000 kids at Children’s hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses nationwide have received cards from CFHK. Cards are delivered to hospitals monthly.[8] [9][10] Rubino has recruited many World and Olympic gymnasts such as Aly Raisman and Nastia Liukin as well as celebrities such as Lauren Conrad to get involved with her charity. Celebrity supporters help Rubino's efforts by donating autographs for hospitalized children to receive from her, and by helping spread the word on social media.[11][12] Rubino is a resident of Illinois and attends Maine South High School.[13]

Media Coverage

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Rubino has shared her personal story, and the impact and journey of her charity, in publications around the world including the Chicago Tribune, B96 Radio, International Gymnast Magazine, LifeStyle and Charity Magazine and MTV Act among others.[14][15] She is also a writer, and has shared her story in writing, in publications such as The Huffington Post, Maria Shriver's story-telling website, and more. Rubino has used this media coverage to not only further her charity, but also spread her message on the importance of giving back. She hopes to expand upon this in the future by writing a book and doing public speaking.[16]

Awards

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Rubino has earned many honors and awards for her service efforts making a difference for thousands of hospitalized kids by founding and running Cards for Hospitalized Kids. In 2012, she was named a “Girl in Action” by Teen Voices Magazine and was a finalist for Glamour Magazine’s Women of the Year Reader’s Choice Award in 2012.[17][18]

At the end of 2012, Points of Light awarded Rubino a Daily Point of Light Award for her work doing Cards for Hospitalized Kids.[19] The Point of Light Award was created by President George H.W Bush to "honor individuals and groups creating meaningful change in communities across America". To this day, President Bush continues to sign all of the awards.[20]

In 2013, Rubino was once again honored for her work doing Cards for Hospitalized Kids when she was awarded the Prudential Spirit of Community Award from Prudential Financial, which was presented to her at her high school's honors night.[21] Following this honor, Rubino was recognized by the Illinois General Assembly. They created a measure to honor her for her service work.[22] In Summer 2013, Rubino was honored for her service efforts by Kohl's through the Kohl's Cares Scholarship Program. She received a scholarship for college, along with this honor.[23] The Mayor and City Council of Park Ridge, IL, which is Rubino's hometown, also honored her for her service work, by recognizing her at a City Council Meeting in July 2013. At the meeting, Rubino told audience members her story, and spoke of the importance of service.[24]

References

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  1. ^ Walker, Caroline. "[INTERVIEW] Meet 17-Year-Old Jen Rubino, Founder of Cards for Hospitalized Kids". MTV. Archived from the original on May 23, 2012. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
  2. ^ "4 things I learned from living with a chronic illness". Huffington Post. August 7, 2012. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
  3. ^ "Jen Rubino". October 11, 2017. Retrieved June 22, 2019.
  4. ^ Marazo, Amanda. "Chicago Tribune". Archived from the original on January 24, 2013.
  5. ^ Rubino, Jen (October 10, 2012). "An Unexpected Lesson". Huffington Post. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
  6. ^ Sanah. "Girl of Substance: Jen Rubino". Online Article. bellaboobabe.com. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
  7. ^ Rubino, Jen. "Spreading Hope One Card at a Time". Online. MariaShriver.com. Archived from the original on July 30, 2013. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
  8. ^ "More than 500K handmade cards later, a Park Ridge native is still spreading joy to kids in the hospital". WGN News. September 14, 2022. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  9. ^ Marrazzo, Amanda (January 23, 2013). "Cards for Hospitalized Kids helps kids deal with loneliness". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
  10. ^ Zapata, Christina (October 1, 2012). "INTERVIEW: Cards for Hospitalized Kids, Founder – Jen Rubino". LifeStyle and Charity Magazine. Retrieved October 4, 2012.[permanent dead link‍]
  11. ^ Johnson, Jennifer (March 16, 2012). "Maine South junior sends smiles to sick kids with greeting-card effort". Sun Times. Archived from the original on February 3, 2013. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
  12. ^ Delgado, Jennifer (December 14, 2011). "Park Ridge teen's illness spurs national endeavor". TribLoca. Archived from the original on February 21, 2015. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
  13. ^ Hooda, Fatima (March 1, 2012). "Super Girl!". The Mash. Archived from the original on March 6, 2012. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
  14. ^ "International Gymnast - April 2012". International Gymnast Magazine. April 2012. Archived from the original on April 13, 2012. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
  15. ^ "B96 Cares: Cards for Hospitalized K". B96. Archived from the original on September 7, 2015. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
  16. ^ DeFiglio, Pam (November 26, 2012). "Teen Fights Chronic Illness By Founding Charity To Help Others". Niles Patch. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
  17. ^ Robbins, Sarah (September 13, 2012). "Women of the Year: Reader's Choice Elite Eight". Glamour Magazine. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
  18. ^ "Special Delivery from Jen Rubino!". Teen Voices Magazine. May 21, 2012. Retrieved October 4, 2012.
  19. ^ "Jen Rubino". Point of Light. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
  20. ^ "The Daily Point of Light Award". Point of Light. Retrieved June 24, 2013.
  21. ^ Johnson, Jennifer (June 10, 2013). "Senior Honors Program salutes achievers". Park Ridge Herald Advocate. Retrieved June 24, 2013.[permanent dead link‍]
  22. ^ "Bill Status of HR0109". Illinois General Assembly. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
  23. ^ Delack, Morgan (July 10, 2013). "Park Ridge Teen Honored for Volunteer Efforts". Park Ridge Patch. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
  24. ^ Johnson, Jennifer (July 23, 2013). "News and notes: Park Ridge City Council honors scholarship-winning teen". Park Ridge Herald. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 13, 2013.
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