Have you ever been in a children’s hospital outside of the normal situations of birth, or variety; tonsillectomy, arm break or ear tubes? It is not where anyone wants to be. There is something suffocating in the air and even with lot of thoughtful cheerful decor, wonderful staff and visitors, you can’t help thinking that no kid should be in there. I recently learned about a wonderful organization called Books That Heal, and was deeply touched. It’s 501(c)(3) organization based out of NYC and founded by Michael Flatley and the kids books are so amazing to read.
The Mission
This organization helps kids that are fighting chronic illnesses in the most meaningful way. There is something so powerful about self-expression and allowing that creative mind to take over and see a tangible effort. Books That Heal, does that for these kids. They help children fighting diseases write, illustrate and publish their own stories as a book. These kids become published authors! The authors hold book signings with their friends and family and the proceeds of the book go to their foundations or family. During a very difficult and stressful time, Books That Heal help these kids and their families celebrate a wonderful accomplishment! They organization handles all the costs of editing, production and arranging of book signings!
My son’s health
Three years ago, almost exactly, we spent 3 days in a hospital awaiting news of my 5 week old son’s fate. He had contracted meningitis and they weren’t sure if it was bacterial, viral, and when determined… what type it would be. I was flatly told that they weren’t sure he would make it. During the 3 days, which felt like 3 months, I felt as though I could hardly breathe.
I’d wait for each doctor/nurse/technician’s face or expression to see if they might have good news or bad news about Henrick’s condition. I couldn’t eat, sit, or stand. I felt hollow and met the gaze of fellow hollow-eyed parents in the hallways. Each of us knowing what the other felt and wanting so badly to comfort one another but literally having no words. Just speculation. I had a taste of that nightmare only for 3 days but it deeply changed me. I’d walk by different kids’ rooms and realized that they had been there for months given that the hospital rooms now looked like full-fledged studio apartments. Henrick had the most “benign” meningitis he could have had; the eneterovirus. He would, could, and did recover fully. More than fully, I’d say!
How I dealt
I’m not sure if I ever did recover. Which makes me think of the parents feeling the impact of seeing a child so full of promise and imagination and fighting chronic illness. What Books That Heal is doing is one of the most beautiful things an organization can do. It is empowering these kids to feel special, have a voice, be creative and be celebrated. I can only imagine what it does to for the parents, who badly need something to lean on and support on their difficult journey.
I hope that you consider adding one of these beautiful books full of hope and laughs to your library. When you read them with your kids or on your own, you will feel a deep sense of gratitude and you will be doing something good in the world. You can buy the books here. They make a great gift! XO, Z
For other kids gift ideas click here! XO, Z.