Emily Bhatnagar, a 19-year-old from Gaithersburg, Maryland, has collected and donated over 15-thousand children's books to DC-area hospitals through her nonprofit, For Love and Buttercup. She started the initiative at 17 when her father, Mike Bhatnagar, was diagnosed with stage 4 thyroid cancer, as she wanted to help children facing health issues by offering them comfort through books. The book drive has become a family operation, with Emily's father and brother supporting her efforts.
Initially focusing on children undergoing cancer treatment, Emily expanded her donations to include all patients under 18. She selects diverse books and includes a personal note and occasionally a stuffed animal for the recipients. Emily says that seeing the children's excitement when she hands them a book in person have been some of the most precious moments in her life.
Despite her father's recent cancer relapse, Emily remains positive and committed to her nonprofit. As she takes virtual classes at Montgomery College, she hopes to eventually transfer to an in-person school and study psychology at Yale University. The book drive has not only provided solace and support for others but has also taught Emily about the beauty in the world and the value of a good distraction.
Source: CNN