Testimonials

Here's what others are saying about us...

"Rebecca and I would like to thank Kate's Kart for making her stay in the hospital so much more enjoyable. She loves her books and crayons! She was hospitalized on New Year's Eve with pneumonia. She was in until January 4th. Seeing Kate's Kart come into her room brought a bashful smile to her adorable 4-year-old face each morning. Thank You!" - Amy and Rebecca Ross (January 2012)

"It was wonderful meeting you [Krista] and Kate's grandmother last week at Parkview North! Jackson was born on Thanksgiving day followed by his twin sister Avery at only 27 weeks and 2 days. Avery passed the following day but Jackson continues to improve daily. Hopefully this month or next we will be able to take Jackson home with us, which is all the way to Oklahoma City (we were up visiting family when the twins decided to surprise us by coming early). Thank you so much for all the wonderful books! Jackson loves being read to and will have something to enjoy for years to come!" - Chauncey, Megan, and Jackson (January 2012)

"I am sorry this is almost 4 years late, but I wanted you to know how much my wife Tonia and I, along with our daughter Jillian really appreciated receiving books from Kate's Kart during Jillian's many hospital stays.  Jillian had to have several surgeries during her first year and a half of life.  Needless to say that this was stressful on all of us.  One of the things that we looked forward to though was Kate's Kart.  My daughter loved receiving the books as much as we loved passing the time reading them to her.  Now she is 3 1/2 years old and she no longer has any of the problems she did.  She is ornery as sin, but considering all that we went through with her, I wouldn't have it any other way!  Thank you so much for all that you do to make children's and families' stays in hospitals a little easier." - Brian, Tonia, Gage and Jillian Clawson (December 2011)

"My husband and I had our baby, Madelyn, at just 28 weeks.  She has been in the NICU now for 6 weeks and will likely be there several more.  We were so thrilled to receive books from Kate's Kart to read to her.  The nurses tell us she recognizes our voices, and how much it helps her to read to her.  We are so grateful for the books we receive.  Thank you very much for your generosity and for making it possible for us to read to our daughter new books each week she is in the NICU!" -  Sarah Nielson (November 2011)

"Just wanted to say thank you for the book my 19 month old son received while at Lutheran Hospital. On the cart were a large assortment of board books, among which we found a tractor book that made "chug-chug" sounds. It was the best part of his stay. Thanks again for the wonderful service you are providing. Books are so very important in our family & we are so glad your program provides a small comfort to the kids in the hospital." -  K. H. via Facebook (October 2011)

Twin brothers, Max and Jack, recently spent 13 days in the Parkview  North NICU.  "Kate's Kart was such a bright spot to our stay there. My husband and I are forever grateful for your wonderful organization and plan on contributing in some way in the near future. Thank you for your kindness and generosity." - D.Y. via Facebook (September 2011)

"I love this originazation! Both of my daughters have been hospitalized at Parkview Main and Kate's Kart was a blessing to have! They love to be read to and it was wonderful to have it feel like someone besides the nurses and drs. cared!" - R.S. via Facebook (September 2011)

"Thanks for giving me a free book. It was the best thing about having my appendix rupture. :)" - Olivia, age 12 (July 2011)

"When my daughter was in the hospital in December Kate's Kart was the one bright moment of the day. She loved it! I now wish I would have gotten a picture of her with her new treasured book! Thank you so much for all you do! You really do make a huge impact on little ones when they are in the hospital!" - L.W. via Facebook (September 2011)

"You're books are such a blessing! My daughter received books from you while in NICU and I loved reading them to her. They gave us an opportunity to bond when we didn't have many chances!" - M. A. via Facebook (September 2011)

"Thank you Kate's Kart! This week we learned of the story and person behind your organization at Lutheran Hospital. We were so blessed to receive a free book while our child had a medical procedure. We celebrate and salute what you're doing!" - M.M. via Facebook (September 2011)

"My son was taken to Dupont Hospital, which was over an hour away from my house.  It was heartbreaking for my husband and I, but i want to thank your wonderful and thoughtful organization for giving my son books! He loves them so much.  He giggles when we read and loves looking at all the colors.  It broke my heart to read your story on the bookmarks about your beautiful daughter.  I know God is taking care of her as she looks down and smiles at her mother and father everyday.  Thank you so much."  - A.N.O.E. via Facebook (August 2011)

"Kate's Kart is such a blessing! Before our son was born, my husband read him a book each night before bed. So when Colston was placed in the NICU after his birth, Kate's Kart helped us continue to read to him with the books they gave us. Thank you so very much for your ministry and what you mean to so many!! Thank you!!!" - Anonymous via Website (August 2011)

"I just wanted to say thank you for the books we have received from Kate's Kart. My daughter Claire spent the first month of her life in the NICU at Parkview North in Fort Wayne and we received a couple books then.  My older daughter still reads to Claire all the time. Then just last week we were in the PICU at Lutheran Hospital and she got a touch and feel board book that she has since been carrying around and showing everyone. Its a much needed boost in times of strife, THANK YOU!!" - Jamie Cook (July 2011)

"My father is in the hospital (KCH), my 3 daughters (10,7,4) and I came to visit him and the nurse brought in the cart. My girls have not put the books down.  There are not enough "thank you's" in this world, but Thank You from Amy, Shianna, Harley, Hope." - (July 2011)

"I want to say a BIG thank you. My 8 year old daughter was recently hospitalized with pneumonia. It was a scary time for her, but getting a book from Kate's Kart was such a blessing and helped cheer her up." - S.W. via Facebook (July 2011)

"What a pleasant surprise we got this past weekend when Kate's Kart visited while we awaited surgery for our newborn. Now home and healthy, he loves listening to us read his new book. Thank you so much for all you do!" - R.S.D. via Facebook (July 2011)

"Thank you Kate's Kart for putting a smile on my son's face during his hospital visit!  My son has been treasuring his book!!!" - S.H. via Facebook (May 2011)

"You guys are a great organization! When my daughter was in the NICU, it was the highlight of the week when you guys came!  She has a nice little collection of books now that she can look at!  Thanks for everything you do!" - J.D. via Facebook (May 2011)

"Your story was very touching and I'm sorry [Kate] lost her battle, but I'm sure she was a fighter just like my son.  My son, at a week old, had major open heart surgery.  He has Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.  He was in the hospital since the day he was born.  He just got to come home April 11, and he had to go back to the hospital the 18th for a cath.  He has so far been in and out.  He will have two more open heart surgeries, all before he is 2 years old.  He just turned 2 months, and we got to pick out a cute baby cloth book from Kate's Kart.  I think this is so awesome to do for kids in the hospital." - E.T. via Facebook (May 2011)

"My youngest son was born 8 weeks early just a little over 2 years ago, and while we were at our stay in the NICU waiting on him to grow enough to take home, a wonderful lady came to me while I was sitting next to him (he wasn't healthy enough to be held yet) and handed me a little book of Mr. Brown Can Moo Can You?  I thought to myself, why would my little baby who can't even suck from a bottle yet want a book? But as I read the bookmark that was with it explaining about little Kate I started to cry and thought wow these parents took the hardest thing to ever happen into something amazing. Now my little man carries that book and it is well loved.  He received a 2nd book a little over a year ago when having a bout with RSV and he laughs every time we read the book about an elephant. I am working with my 2nd grade class on a project for your group and am so happy that we can help. Thank you for cheering up all those babies that can't even drink from a bottle yet and the ones who can." - Candi (April 2011)

"My 16 month old son had to have major surgery for his severe hip dysplasia 3 weeks ago at Parkview Hospital.  He was put into a body cast from his upper torso all the way to his toes.  My husband is in Afghanistan and could not make it back in time for the surgery.  It was a very heartbreaking and hard time for my family.  After my son's surgery he was in pain, he was confused, and he was all around NOT happy.  As a mother I was beside myself to see my son like that.  Kate's Kart came around and gave my son a "Finding Nemo" book, his favorite movie.  In a time when he needed it most, that book was able to distract him from his pain and he smiled for me.  To see him smile at a time like that was the greatest gift anyone could have given us.  Thank you Thank you Thank you!  What a way to remember a child!  God Bless you!" - Amber (April 2011)

"Our little granddaughter Jules was born at 30 wks by emergency c-section, she weighed 1 lb 15 oz. Today she is 8 days old and weighs 2 lbs. her mommy and daddy have been reading her books from Kate's Kart everyday. What a wonderful gift the books are. And when she goes home her big brother and sister  will get to hear them too. Thank you so much for the wonderful gift of books and Love!" - Karen (April 2011)

"My son received 2 books from Kate's Kart while he was in the NICU at Dupont Hospital. My husband and I think that what you do is so wonderful. Our oldest son donated the rest of his money to Kate's Kart at his book fair." - via Facebook (April 2011)

"Thank you so much for the book that was given to my daughter, Gabby, today at Lutheran Hospital in memory of your beautiful daughter Kate.  You have a wonderful ministry.  May God continue to bless." - via Facebook (April 2011)

"While Joseph spent his first 9 days of life in NICU, it was a great gift that each day a new book arrived for us to read to him. Joseph got to come home (and is almost 11 months old now) and is healthy and we have not ever forgotten, nor will ever forget, the gifts little Kate gave him." - Tim & Shirley Sorg (January 2011)

"Recently my daughter was hospitalized at a hospital in Fort Wayne.  She was scared and very nervous upon her arrival.  Sometime in the evening a nurse brought in a book that was compliments of your organization.  When I saw my daughter later she showed me the book immediately.  That book brought comfort to us throughout her four day stay.  There were nights where she could not settle down and get her mind off of the events of the day so I would curl up in bed with her and would read a few chapters to her.  It always helped her to settle down no matter what was going on.  Thank you for providing her book to give us some cuddle time throughout our visit.  Now we are home and working to finish the book together." - Dawn Jackson (October 2010)

"I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful organization that has blessed our family.  My daughter was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2007 and was receiving treatment for 3 years.  She received a few books from you all when she was in the clinic that are very special to her.  She also loves the bookmarks and treats them very different than her other bookmarks.  Then I had a baby that was born very premature.  He was in the NICU for 8 weeks.  He also received a few books from you all.  I now read those books to him and they are his \"special\" books because they came at a difficult time and brought us some cheer.  I just want to tell you how grateful I am for your organization and what they have done for my family now, through 2 children.  I am sorry you lost little Kate.  I am impressed that you have taken something very sad and debilitating and turned into such a blessing for so many.  I am sure Kate would be proud." - Patrice Davies (October 2010)

"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.  Jayona got to go home to her big brother on May 1.  Pictured below is Jayona with her mom and dad...and just a few of the books she received from Kate's Kart. (May 2009) 

"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.  We now have a wonderful library of books for both of our kids.  Thank you Kate's Kart." 

"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)

"I wanted to pass along a story that I heard today while volunteering at Lutheran Hospital.  Tammy, the Lutheran Hospital employee that trains new volunteers, came running after us today while we were rolling the Kart to tell us about a little girl that had come in on Thursday for some lab work.  The little girl was talking about a book that came with a ballet slipper necklace (which she happened to be wearing) that she had gotten from Kate's Kart on her last visit.  She mentioned that there had also been a book with an ice skate necklace on the kart that she wanted next.  Well, the lab work was not going very well and the little girl was crying, and still talking about this ice skate necklace.  In between sobs she said, "I wish Kate's Kart was here today."  Tammy couldn't stand to see her so upset, so she ran up to where the Kart is stored and found the book for her.  The little girl was so happy to have it, she immediately put the necklace on which made her visit so much better.  Tammy said she just wanted us to know how much these kids look forward to the Kart and how much it does help them through all their stuff." -- Nikki Miller, Volunteer (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)

"The delight of an 8 year old oncology patient awaiting the second JUNEY B. JONES book, the teenage boy who "doesn't want a book" choosing a Matt Christopher bio of a famous athlete, and the quiet thank you from tired parents anxious for their child's well-being, are encounters I have experienced as a volunteer for Kate's Kart and exemplify Kate's touching memory." -- Margaret Lyng, 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)