The Heart Behind Our Cards: Mary Jane’s Story

Mary Jane Milici is a fighter of MELAS disease.

It’s hard to imagine that something as joyful as the Happy Little Card Store could come from something so heartbreaking. In 2019, our daughter, Mary Jane Milici, suffered a massive seizure and was diagnosed with MELAS disease—a rare, progressive mitochondrial condition with no cure. Our world changed in an instant.

In the middle of that pain, something beautiful began. One day, Mary Jane’s grandmother, Geri Zilian, brought over paints and sat with her at the kitchen table to try an online painting class. She thought the activity might help stimulate Mary Jane’s brain. And it did. That first painting session turned into another, and then another. Slowly, other family members joined in, brushes in hand, creating side by side at the same table. Even our two puppies, Rosie and Lucy, found their way into the fun, keeping us smiling during hard days.

Those paintings—joyful, colorful, sometimes a little silly—were created in the middle of everyday struggles with hospital stays, strokes, and pain. Painting together became our way to practice happiness, to cling to faith, and to remind ourselves that even when life is overwhelming, we still have each other.

From that kitchen table, Happy Little Card Store was born. Each card is made with love, inspired by Mary Jane’s strength, our family’s creativity, and the belief that beauty can grow even in the most difficult circumstances.

Mary Jane’s story is at the heart of everything we do. She inspires us to keep painting, keep smiling, and keep sharing that joy with others. And through every card, we hope to pass along a little bit of that light to you.