One Student's Personal Mission for Blythdale Hospital
Thursday, November 17, 2011
The holidays often bring out the best in people and inspire many to go above and beyond what they need to do. To that end, Suzy was so incredibly struck and impressed by an outstanding 8th grade student who decided to create his own charitable drive for the amazing patients of Blythdale Hospital that we had to share this with our readers. We hope that each of you who reads this will pass it along to others as well. The letter TJ Steinthal wrote is quoted in full below, and we hope you are as inspired as we were contribute to this cause. If you are interested in donating any new (or nearly new) books or DVDs, please drop off your greatly appreciated gifts to Twig Antiques, 24 Smith Street, Rye, NY.
For the past two years, I have been taking speech therapy at Blythdale children's hospital. My mom picks me up from Resurrection school on Tuesday afternoons, I say goodbye to my friends, we get a snack and I go straight to Blythdale. Since we are arriving as the children are dismissed, I see the day students at the hospital. They are mostly in wheelchairs full time. They have trouble walking and talking. Some have trouble sitting up. Some children are blind. Some are deaf. They do not get to say goodbye to their friends. They do not get to run into the market for a snack. They do not get to joke and laugh with their moms in the car. Each week my mom and I get to know the children a little better. They recognize us. We wave. Sometimes they smile, sometimes they don't. We get to know their families, and what life is like for them at home. Every week when I go for speech, I work on making learning easier for me. It is hard, especially when my friends get to go into town or the library or sports, but I know it will help me achieve my goals. But the other children, with more severe physical and mental disabilities have a harder time achieving their goals. As an 8th grader there is not a lot that I can do to help them. But, I thought there might be something to brighten their days, even if it is just a little bit. There are many restrictions as to what the children can have, but books are allowed and one of the things that make them very happy. Sadly, they do not have enough. I thought of starting a book drive. I know that people are very busy and have many charities to give to, but this is something that will actually be handed to a student/patient in need. Blythdale needs BRAND NEW books (English and Spanish) and DVDs for children from the ages of 3-13. My mom and I will bring the books each week and they will be given out. Sometimes, they will be read to the students by volunteers.
If you could help me, it would be great. My mom and I will come and pick up the book or you can drop off at Twig Antiques. I will send photos once the books are given out so you can see what a big difference this will make to the children there.
Thank you,
TJ Steinthal
For the past two years, I have been taking speech therapy at Blythdale children's hospital. My mom picks me up from Resurrection school on Tuesday afternoons, I say goodbye to my friends, we get a snack and I go straight to Blythdale. Since we are arriving as the children are dismissed, I see the day students at the hospital. They are mostly in wheelchairs full time. They have trouble walking and talking. Some have trouble sitting up. Some children are blind. Some are deaf. They do not get to say goodbye to their friends. They do not get to run into the market for a snack. They do not get to joke and laugh with their moms in the car. Each week my mom and I get to know the children a little better. They recognize us. We wave. Sometimes they smile, sometimes they don't. We get to know their families, and what life is like for them at home. Every week when I go for speech, I work on making learning easier for me. It is hard, especially when my friends get to go into town or the library or sports, but I know it will help me achieve my goals. But the other children, with more severe physical and mental disabilities have a harder time achieving their goals. As an 8th grader there is not a lot that I can do to help them. But, I thought there might be something to brighten their days, even if it is just a little bit. There are many restrictions as to what the children can have, but books are allowed and one of the things that make them very happy. Sadly, they do not have enough. I thought of starting a book drive. I know that people are very busy and have many charities to give to, but this is something that will actually be handed to a student/patient in need. Blythdale needs BRAND NEW books (English and Spanish) and DVDs for children from the ages of 3-13. My mom and I will bring the books each week and they will be given out. Sometimes, they will be read to the students by volunteers.
If you could help me, it would be great. My mom and I will come and pick up the book or you can drop off at Twig Antiques. I will send photos once the books are given out so you can see what a big difference this will make to the children there.
Thank you,
TJ Steinthal
