As the Founder and CEO of Ryan’s Case for Smiles (RCFS), Cindy Kerr has transformed a mother’s love and a simple act of comfort into a nationwide movement of compassion and support, and has touched the lives of millions of children and families facing the challenges of life-changing illnesses and injuries.

---

Celebrating exceptional local women making significant impacts in our community.

Our 2024 Women of Influence Award Winners were nominated by peers and selected by the Family Focus Media team based on their achievements and dedication to creating positive change, as revealed through comprehensive questionnaires. Their profiles showcase their inspiring journeys and accomplishments.

Beyond the awards, our Women of Influence Luncheons and Speed Networking Night attendees form our growing “Women of Influence Network,” a community fostering connections, collaboration, and mutual support. We invite you to explore our Award Winners’ stories and leverage our Network Directory in the Women of Influence Guide. Reach out to fellow members to harness the power of our network through shared growth and support. For further engagement, we welcome business and nonprofit leaders to join our Family Focus Media Community Builders Group on Facebook and our NEW Women of Influence LinkedIn Group.

---

Nominated by Jaime Howard, Colleague and Friend

“Cindy Kerr, Founder and CEO of Ryan’s Case for Smiles, has been an involved member of her community since moving to the Philadelphia region from Boston in 1994. In 2002, Cindy’s world was turned upside down when she heard words that parents fear, ‘your child has cancer.’ Cindy’s 12-year-old son, Ryan, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer, beginning a terrifying journey for her and her family.

To comfort Ryan, Cindy began sewing cheerful pillowcases to brighten his hospital room and make it feel more like home. Soon she was making pillowcases for other children in the oncology unit as well. Inspired by her efforts, others joined in. By 2007, the nationwide non-profit based in Wayne, PA, Ryan’s Case for Smiles (RCFS), was formed.”

A Mother’s Love Sparks a Movement

Cindy’s journey into social entrepreneurship began with a heartbreaking diagnosis. “In 2002, our family’s world changed forever, when I heard the words, your son, Ryan, has bone cancer,” Cindy recalls. Faced with the helplessness that comes with a child’s serious illness, Cindy channeled her energy into a simple act of comfort — sewing cheerful pillowcases for Ryan.

What started as a mother’s gesture of love soon blossomed into something much larger. “Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine where that first hamburger pillowcase would take us,” Cindy reflects. Today, RCFS has delivered almost 3 million pillowcases to children in over 350 hospitals, Ronald McDonald Houses, hospice centers, and specialty camps across North America.

Beyond Pillowcases: Addressing Family Trauma

The loss of Ryan in 2008 at the age of 17 was a devastating blow, but it also deepened Cindy’s understanding of the far-reaching impact of a child’s illness on the entire family. Recognizing the symptoms of PTSD in her own family’s experience, Cindy expanded RCFS‘s mission to help family members of ill children cope.

This led to the creation of CopingSpace.org, a research-informed program designed to help families navigate the trauma of a child’s illness and build resilience for the future. RCFS has also become a national leader in understanding and addressing the impact of a sibling’s illness on brothers and sisters.

Overcoming Personal Challenges

Cindy’s journey has not been without its own obstacles. In addition to the loss of her son, Cindy faced her own battle with appendix cancer in 2017. “Over 5 years, I endured 3 relapses, numerous rounds of chemo and 7 major surgeries,” she shares. This experience reinforced her commitment to developing PTSD programs and sibling support initiatives.

“Not a day goes by that I don’t miss Ryan,” Cindy reflects, “but I have witnessed firsthand what families can endure. It is not easy, and you will never be the same, but you will laugh again and enjoy life. I know it is what Ryan would have wanted for us and why we strive to help other parents do the same.”

Empowering Others

One of Cindy’s greatest points of pride is the impact RCFS has had not just on patients and families, but on volunteers and staff as well. She has mentored over 150 women who have served as Chapter Coordinators, helping them become leaders in their communities.

Cindy’s leadership style is characterized by empowerment and continuous learning. “If you have a passion for something, you can make it work,” she advises. “You just need to be willing to work hard, ask for help and keep learning.”

A Legacy of Comfort and Hope

From a stay-at-home mom to the CEO of a national non-profit, Cindy Kerr’s journey is a testament to the power of a mother’s love and the impact one person can have when driven by passion and purpose. Through Ryan’s Case for Smiles, she has created a legacy that continues to bring comfort, hope, and smiles to children and families facing life’s toughest challenges.

Cindy’s story reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we have the power to create light for others. As she puts it, “You don’t have to be rich or famous to make a difference. Empower others to do good and they will do great things.”