Origami Optimism: 1,000 Wishes for Hope and Healing

Origami Optimism is a tangible way to support families, friends, and community members suffering from serious illnesses.

“Be the person anyone can come to for any reason. If you can make an impact on someone’s life, they’ll remember it forever.” These words were spoken by my friend, Caleb Ulrichs, during his courageous battle with leukemia, and are the guiding factor for my decision to focus my career on building a non-profit agency to aid people with critical illnesses, sparked by the Japanese crane. Although Caleb’s time on earth was short, his wisdom was far-reaching.

Reflective of Caleb’s words, my greatest desire is to make a difference for others. In many ways, Caleb is the reason I found my purpose. In July 2018, I was stunned to learn Caleb had been diagnosed with cancer. I felt stifled by my emotions and inability to help him, and quickly learned others felt similarly. Soon after, I recalled a book I read in fourth grade, Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. In Japanese religion, origami paper cranes are seen as a symbol of hope and healing. According to popular legend, if someone folds 1,000 paper cranes, their one wish will come true. People commonly fold the cranes for people who are sick or in need, as a way to show their love and support for them. Immediately, I wanted to pursue this idea by rallying the school and community in support of Caleb. 

I organized my entire high school in folding 1,000 paper cranes for our friend and classmate, Caleb. My inspiration for this project was derived from my desire to help myself and others find a positive outlet for their emotions and be empowered to provide support for our classmate and his family. At the same time, I wanted a way to bring the school to Caleb, while he was unable to be physically present. The collective response to my idea, as well as the impact of our gift to Caleb and his family, far exceeded my expectations.

Folding the cranes for Caleb was a life changing moment for me. I was able to see how my small action could have a large impact on my friend and his family. The Ulrichs’ family was overwhelmed with emotion when they realized what our small high school had done for them. The cranes were a tangible representation of our love for them. Although Caleb unfortunately passed away in January 2019, the cranes never left his side. Seeing the origami cranes that his friends and classmates folded for him was a constant reminder that everyone was cheering him on in his cancer journey. 

This project, which I named Origami Optimism, has grown exponentially and expanded its reach. In recent months, I have organized a series of events for people to fold paper cranes for individuals living in communities state-wide who are suffering critical health challenges, and we have collectively folded over 15,000 cranes. Because of Origami Optimism, I have had the honor of giving shadow boxes filled with 1,000 origami cranes to many people battling cancer. Delivering each gift has been an unforgettable, uplifting experience met with such gratitude that I decided to further expand it by creating a website to aid others across the globe in replicating this project. 

The significance of the Japanese cranes has had a profound impact on my life. After learning about the cranes, I was inspired to fold 1,000 origami cranes as a way to support my friend while he was going through an incredibly difficult time. Not only did the cranes help support Caleb and his family, it gave me and my classmates a way to show our love for them when we felt so helpless. Although losing my friend was devastating, I am comforted to know it led me to my life’s purpose.

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