Here's What Others Are Saying About Us...

"Our twins were born at 32 weeks just days ago.  Last night, during a particularly distressing moment, two girls showed up from Kate's Kart.  It brought some sunshine to the otherwise depressing moment and let us know everything was going to be okay.  It also put some things into perspective.  Those books were part of a healing that we as parents needed too.  Thank you so much." - David (January 2010)

"My grandson, Cohen Smith, was born June 12 of this year....3 months premature.  There were times when we were not sure he would make it.  As the "kart" came around each week (first at Dupont and then at Lutheran) Cohen's "library" grew.  Thank you so much for this wonderful program.  Cohen is still at Lutheran, but we hope he gets to come home by Christmas.  Your program has started quite a library for our little miracle baby.  Grandma can't wait to read them all to him....God Bless.  I even added you to my Facebook page." - Linda Smith Dunno (December 2009)

"We currently have a baby in the NICU at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, IN.  We have received 2 books from Kate's Kart.  I want you to know how much I appreciate the books and I want you to know that your family and organization is in our prayers.  The books are helping us get through our journey that has just begun.  Our baby was born 11/21 and it will be sometime in January, at the earliest, before she can come home.  I have read Kate's story and she was amazingly beautiful and I am so grateful that you found the strength to give back and celebrate her life through giving.  God Bless you and your family." - Pamela Konkle (December 2009)

"Thank you so much for the books while our twin sons were in the NICU at Parkview North for 16 days. They were born on 8/24/09 six weeks early. We enjoyed reading the books to them each day. Our 8 year old son thought that was a neat thing to pass out books and he also enjoyed reading to his brothers.  Thanks for all that you do for the children in the hospital. May God Bless Your Family." - Angie Wood (December 2009)

"Thank you so much for the loving books my grandson received at Parkview North.  The first day of his life, we were given the impression that he may not come home from the hospital.  When my grandson Blayd was 2 days old, he received his first book from Kate's Kart and with the book came hope.  My daughter and I were only allowed to touch Blayd with a still hand; this was very hard not to be able to comfort him.  When we received the book I sat down with one hand on his head and the other holding the book and began to read.  Instantly he responded to my voice and calmed down.  My daughter and I went across the hall to the waiting room, borrowed more books, and read day and night.  From that moment, forward Blayd started improving by leaps and bounds.  The doctors were amazed and had no explanation for his improvement.  I honestly believe that it was because of the love that came with his books that helped make all the difference, that and Gods hands that held Blayd when we could not.  Thank you so very much for taking a tragedy in your family and turning it into love for others.  You truly are a gift from God!" - Nikki Minton (November 2009)

"Our new son, Tate, was in the hospital for 5 days.  The doctors were unsure what was wrong with him and we enjoyed receiving a book from Kate's Kart. My 4-year-old would like to make some books for Kate's Kart.  She has wanted us to read the story on the bookmark over and over and said she wanted to make books for Kate's broken heart! Thanks so much for helping brighten our day while we were searching for answers at the hospital." - Amber Knoblauch (November 2009)

"Thank you very much for visiting me with the book kart.  I love the book it is really COOL! You really brightened up my day! My mom is going to see if my school will help get books for Kate's Kart also!" - Ryan Goldey (July 2009)

"My son was at Lutheran for two weeks last June, and most recently at Parkview for 10 days this June.  Both times, my son and three-year-old received books from Kate's Kart, and thoroughly enjoyed them!" - Brandee Hoffman (June 2009)

"We are in the NICU at Dupont with our newborn son.  We were very pleased when we saw the first book given to us by your organization.  We think it is great that your organization exists, and THANK YOU so much for the books you have left us.  Our son is too young and small to enjoy them yet, but we're sure he'll get a lot of use from them when he gets older." - Bryce Smith (June 2009)

Jayona was born on January 18...weighing in at only 1lb 13 oz.  During her 104 day NICU stay, Jayona received over 30 books from Kate's Kart.  Jayona's mom and dad were thrilled to receive the new books a couple times a week. 

"It was so special, not only for my baby, but because we got to pick out books for her big brother (age 4) too! His favorite is I'm a Big Brother.  I could read the books to both of my kids," said mom.  Mom would read the books to her infant daughter each and every day as Jayona grew and became stronger in the NICU.  Jayona got to go home to her big brother on May 1. 

"We now have a wonderful library of books for both of our kids," said Mom.  "Thank you Kate's Kart."  Pictured is Jayona with her mom and dad...and just a few of the books she received from Kate's Kart. (May 2009)

"My daughter, Josie, is affected by DiGeorge Syndrome.  She was in Lutheran Hospital with pneumonia, and to our surprise, Kate's Kart came into our room.  My oldest daughter got to pick out books for both herself and Josie.  It brought me to tears to know that Kate gave my little ones a book.  We will cherish those books always.  Thanks!" -- The Sessions Family (May 2009)

"I received a book for my 5 month old daughter. She was in the hospital with RSV. It really made my day to know that there are people out there that care, no matter how small my daughter is. Thank you for helping us get through a hard time in our lives. She is out now and doing great." -- Kendra (May 2009)

"Last Tuesday and Wednesday, I was with my daughter in the pediatric unit at Parkview Hospital.  Two volunteers with Kate's Kart gave my daughter a book.  The volunteers had cheerful, warm countenances.  The days were very long...so having an interruption was wonderful...and to have something "free" was a huge blessing to a stressful time.  Thank you for brightening our days with something meaningful!!!" -- Deborah Seigel (February 2009)

"This past February, our daughter, Brynn was hospitalized for three days and the following week our son Graham was hospitalized for four days.  Kate's Kart came to visit both of our children and gave them books to help distract them from their illness.  We experienced two different sets of Kate's Kart volunteers in our hospital stays and everyone was wonderful.  Kate's own mother visited Brynn and gave her two books because one was  a special favorite of hers and another was Brynn's choice.  We shared our family's stories and by the end of her visit, there wasn't a dry eye in the room.  Her concern and interest in the children's well being seemed genuine.  Her generous spirit was evident.  Kate's Kart was a welcome guest to a frightened child in an unfamiliar place.  I'll never forget it.

As a family, we are so moved by this loving mother and the legacy of remembrance the she is forming for her beautiful daughter. Every time we read one of Kate's Kart's books we talk about baby Kate and the wonderful thing her mommy is doing.  We've used her example to demonstrate to our children how great gifts can come from great tragedy when you choose to help others.  Her goal is being met with the Cole family, we will always remember baby Kate and the generosity of her family." -- Lee Ann Cole (February 2009)

"We received a book from Kate's Kart while we were in the PICU with our 9 week old daughter.  It happened to be Baby Kate's 1 year birthday into Heaven.  We were unsure what Grace's outcome would be, but reading about Kate's shining example of courage gave us hope with a smile on our face and tears streaming down.  Grace underwent surgery and will now have the chance to grow into a little girl.  Thank you for the book that we will treasure." -- Laura Sutton (January 2009)

"Even though we had brought activities for our 8 year old to do while we visited her Grandma at Parkview, she was much more excited to read her new book from Kate's Kart.  Our family was very grateful for the thoughtful gift.  Thank you." -- Aubrey Malcolm (November 2008)

"We found a mom and 3 children in the lobby waiting area.  The little girls, ages about 3 and 5 were eager to choose a book. The older girl was delighted to find a Disney princess book and was thrilled to discover a CD inside the book.  We took the kart upstairs.  As I was leaving the hospital, I saw the mom with both girls on her lap, reading the chosen book -- PRICELESS!

I always enjoy the interaction with kids and parents.  The reaction is usually very positive.  Recently, a dad called me back as I was leaving the room.  He wanted to confirm his feeling that I had been one of his former teachers.  Sure enough, I was one of his 7th grade teachers at Memorial Park Middle School about 10 years ago.  I always enjoy those connections." -- Carol Massey, Volunteer (November 2008)

"Our twins were in Lutheran Hospital's NICU for 13 days after they were born on August 29, 2008.   We have a four year old daughter who loved reading Kate's Kart books to her new sisters during their stay.  In all, our twins received three books from Kate's Kart, and the volunteers let our four year old pick a book for herself.  The gifts brought a lot of joy to our family during those challenging first days of our babies' lives. Thank you all so much." -- Kimberly O'Connor, Mother (October 2008)

"Last Friday, we were blessed once again by your family, Baby Kate and Kate's Kart. Long story short, Josh had his monthly blood transfusion. As it turned out, Josh had a severe anaphylactic allergic reaction to the 3rd unit of blood. We almost lost him. It was an unbelievably intense, but short, event. Two hours into it, he was solidly on the mend. By 4 hours, he was physically back to normal. Emotionally, we have a long road ahead of us.

Kate's Kart came by late that afternoon. Josh was so edgy, irritated and unsettled. He lit up when he saw the Kart and was quickly mesmerized by having a chance to pick out a book. He searched long and hard. 10 minutes into his search, he discovered a Calvin and Hobbes cartoon book...his favorite thing in the world. It was a book he had not read. It could not have been more perfect. The soothing effect was profound.

I sat there, so taken by the ordeal of the day. Josh immediately began reading it was soon giggling and laughing. That laughter, on a day when tears and trauma had overtaken us, was a gift from Baby Kate. Thank you."  -- Brenda Jank, Mother (October 2008)