Kate’s Kart, a not-for-profit organization founded by Andrew and Krista Layman that supplies free books to hospitalized children, has come to Parkview Huntington Hospital. The Laymans named the program for their late daughter, Katherine Anne “Kate” Layman, who was born June 26, 2006. Shortly after her birth she was diagnosed with serious heart and pulmonary problems. During numerous hospital stays, Kate enjoyed looking at books and having books read to her. On Jan. 15, 2008, Kate lost her battle at the age of 18 months.
After losing their child, the Laymans turned their grief into a mission. In honor of Kate and her love of books, the Laymans gave a rolling book cart to the pediatric unit of a Fort Wayne hospital. The cart was filled with new books, and children were able to select a book from the cart to keep. The program expanded to Parkview Health in 2008 and also is now available at Parkview Hospital, Parkview North Hospital, Parkview Whitley Hospital and Parkview Noble Hospital
Kate’s Kart provides age-appropriate new books to pediatrics patients and possibly to other youngsters, depending on hospital policy. The Laymans provide the carts and handle book replenishment each month. Hospital personnel distribute the books, record the distribution and order book replenishment. Juli Johnson, manager of inpatient services at the hospital, coordinates the Kate’s Kart program at Parkview Huntington Hospital.
The public is welcome to donate new books to help keep Kate’s Kart stocked. Any donated books may be dropped off in Administration or at the front desk at Parkview Huntington Hospital. Books must be new. Books needed at all Kate’s Kart locations include soft books for newborns, classic read-aloud books, board books, touch-and-feel books and books for 8- to 15-year-old boys (sports, world records, strange facts and comic books).
Carla MacDonald, a member of the Parkview Huntington Hospital Foundation board whose late uncle, Richard Mollica, was a volunteer for and benefactor of the program at Parkview North and Parkview hospitals, enlisted the Parkview Huntington Hospital Foundation’s help to facilitate the program’s introduction here.
For more information, contact Mike Perkins at (260) 355-3316.