We help kids fight cancer together. Here's how we do it.
Ready, set, match!
The LTI app is one of the first dedicated, free apps designed to match kids with cancer based on age, gender, diagnosis, and hospital location. There are many kids fighting cancer just like you—with our help, finding a friend is easy.
Create your account
Tell us about yourself — our questionnaire will ask about your cancer diagnosis, hobbies, and connection goals.
Get matched
We match patients to patients and guardians to guardians who are similar in age, gender, diagnosis, and location.
Start connecting
Chat in the app, unbox your Boombox, and exchange handwritten letters, with your new pen pal.
Unbox the joy of connection
Named after our inspiration, Isabel "Boom Boom" Krum, every fighter who joins the Club gets a Boombox delivered right to their door — a connection kit built to help kids write, create, and stay in touch in real life.
The Boombox. Filled with snail mail supplies, hands-on activities, and age-based essentials tailored to help you write to your pen pal.
Check your mailbox. Mark your calendar and get excited — we'll notify you when your Boombox is on its way.
Unbox the fun. Explore your kit and bring joy to your match with letters, pictures, crafts, and more!
Warm
Feedback
Pen pal
"Having a pen pal really makes an awesome connection with other friends that have cancer and it's way more fun than texting! Sometimes when I'm at school, I feel like I don't belong because my friends don't understand cancer. But with my pen pals, I feel like I do belong."
Guardian
"She's had so much fun with her Boombox supplies and learning about the other girls. She got the response back from them today and it was such a joyful moment."
Guardian
"Thank you for the beautiful work you’re doing. What a special way to help families feel less alone during such a heavy journey. Knowing there are organizations like Letters to Isabel creating connection and understanding truly means so much."
Guardian
"Maryam has always been a trouper since Day 1 of her hospital stay and diagnosis, but I think having a friend that is going through the same experience has helped her tremendously."
Guardian
"Thank you so much for the boombox it arrived yesterday! It was perfectly timed because my daughter was having a frustrating day. It made her smile."
Pen pal
"I love knowing people from this community because i think it’s important to be there for one another. We’re the only people in here that actually know and understand what it's like going through cancer so we should use our voice and experience to motivate others!"
Frequently asked questions
Who can join Letters to Isabel?
Letters to Isabel is designed for children and teens diagnosed with cancer, cancer survivors, and their parents or guardians. We match patients with patients and guardians with other guardians—never matching children with adults.
How old do you have to be to join?
Anyone can join the Letters to Isabel community! If you're under 18, we'll simply ask a parent or legal guardian to complete a secure DocuSign consent form before your account is activated.
How are pen pal matches made?
Using innovative technology, our matching algorithm pairs members based on criteria like age, gender, diagnosis, hospital location, and interests. Before any match is finalized, every pairing is personally reviewed by our team to help ensure a meaningful connection.
How long does it take to get matched?
Match times vary depending on who is currently waiting in our community, but we aim to match you within 1-2 weeks. Some families are matched within days, while others may take a little longer if we're waiting for the best fit. Our goal is always to prioritize quality matches over quick matches.
Is Letters to Isabel free?
Yes! Joining Letters to Isabel is completely free for families. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, there is no cost to create an account, be matched with a pen pal, or participate in our community.
Can I have more than one pen pal?
Yes! Many members have multiple pen pals! To request an additional match, open your match profile, select the options menu (three dots on mobile or the dropdown menu on desktop), and choose “Request Additional Pen Pal.” Our team will review your request and help find another compatible match.
Is my information kept private and safe?
Yes. We take privacy seriously — the LTI app uses secure, encrypted technology to safeguard your information and is designed to meet HIPAA compliance standards. We only collect the information needed to create pen pal matches, and your personal information is never shared publicly. Parents and guardians remain in control of their account, and our team actively monitors the platform to help provide a safe and supportive experience.
How do pen pals communicate?
Once you’re matched, you can communicate through the Letters to Isabel app using our built-in messaging feature. We also encourage handwritten letters, and many members enjoy exchanging mail using supplies from their Letters to Isabel Boombox! Don’t forget to ask your pen pal for their mailing address! A mailing address is only shared on your pen pal’s match card if they choose to approve it.
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