Norton Children's Hospital Champions for Kids Fundraise Your Way
Heart of a Bookworm
Heart of a Bookworm
Heart of a Bookworm - Fundraising Page
Early reading intervention is critical to all children and especially patients with severe Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). Studies have shown that children with CHD are at high risk for neurodevelopmental delays and impaired brain growth. In addition, parents of children with CHD experience higher levels of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety. The Heart of a Bookworm program is hoping to increase reading to patients during their hospital stay.
Our goal is to provide 10 books to patients during their hospital stay and to encourage reading by caregivers. An average hospital stay for our complex patients can range from 6-8 weeks. After discharge, patients are enrolled in community based programs in order to continue promotion of reading in the home. Reading programs with literacy rich environments can result in reduced parental stress, enhanced bonding, and stimulating optimal patterns of brain development.
Donations for this program will provide books to patients during their stay in the Jennifer Lawrence Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. You can also send books directly through our Amazon Wishlist.
Parents currently participating in the Heart of a Bookworm program have expressed a sense of hope and empowerment. One mom shared, "when my child was very sick, my husband used books as a way to connect with our child and read to him when he didn't have the words."