Our names are Sarah Collins and Jeff Collins. Libraries for Hospitals began after my daughter, Allie, was hospitalized for the onset of type 1 diabetes. At that time, she was just 4 years old, and admitted into the pediatric intensive care unit over Christmas. It was a life changing experience. The staunch reality of this life changing disease, juggling the magic of Santa with my other children, knowing the struggles of other families with children battling much more dire situations like leukemia and heart surgeries two and three doors down the hall. It was intense. In many ways, that’s when I became the mother I was always meant to be.
From that point on, my daughter has always wanted to give to other kids like her. Libraries for Hospitals is the beginning of that legacy.
During Allie’s hospital stay, she was much too sick to care much about anything. I spent every moment by her side. It wasn’t until her fourth day admitted in the intensive care unit that the light within her began to spark again. Slowly, ever so slowly, she climbed her way back.
Having things to do, even just the most simplest forms of activities and entertainment, can really help make the difference for kids who are going through so many tremendous life events. Whether its reading a book, using a new app, listening to music, or watching their favorite movie or television shows — those little moments that take away the focus of being stuck in a hospital bed can make all the difference in a kids disposition. It’s the simplest gestures that can make all the difference in helping a kid through recovery and help improve the quality of their lives.
