Suzanne Accetta
“I shall write peace upon your wings, and you shall fly around the world so that children will no longer have to die this way.” Sadako Sasaki
Delicate and intricate, the paper crane has been loved for centuries. Its history is powerful, a symbol of peace, love, hope, and healing during challenging times. During the 16th century the origami crane was officially recorded. The book “Secret to Folding One-thousand Cranes” was published in Japan in 1797. It is the first known book on origami. In Japanese folklore, a person can be granted one wish if they fold 1000 origami cranes. The folding of 1000 paper cranes was popularized with the story of a young girl. Sadako Sasaki was exposed to radiation as an infant when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. She survived the bomb but was diagnosed with leukemia at age 12. She decided to fold 1000 cranes, hoping that her wish to live and heal would come true. Her heart changed midway and her wish became to heal the world instead of herself. She continued folding the cranes for world peace and healing until she passed away. She was buried with a wreath of 1000 paper cranes. Embrace her powerful message of love and peace. Let the paper crane be a reminder that you can make the world a better place. Inspired by the musical “Madam of the Atom,” artist Suzanne Accetta began painting the origami cranes after the unexpected death of her daughter Julie. The story of Sadako touched her emotionally. Sadako reminded her of Julie who had a tender, caring and empathetic heart. Julie championed those who couldn’t advocate for themselves, and not only nurtured but demanded a more just world. On a bench dedicated to Julie’s memory is a quote by Ghandi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Julie was a vocal supporter of her mother’s art and now Suzanne is finding peace through her paintings. 
