As a provider, the best thing about Reach Out and Read KC, is that our gifts of the book, along with the prescription to read often result in memorable moments. Here are two:

3 and 4 Year Old Sibling Story:

Sisters ages 3 and 4 were in the office ONLY for a vaccination visit. My colleague walked by the exam room and peeked in. The 4 year old was quiet, the 3 year old was sobbing.  Dr. Zuk commented to the 4 year old “you’re so brave, you didn’t even cry!” Well, the mother piped in – “oh no, her sister is crying because she wants her book!” Clearly these kiddos connected their previous visits with Dr. Zuk to that amazing gift of a new book! And, thanks to ROR-KC, we have a stash of gently used books to give to those sisters in our office for a vaccine visit.    

15 Months Old Story:

 Alan, 15 months old,  was in with his mother for a well child visit. He is one of three children under 3 years in this family. Mother is a woman who has recovered from substance use disorder, a fact that puts me on alert. I gave Alan his book about pretending to be an animal. He took it to his Mom to show her. She commented that she reads to the 3 boys all the time, and that often Alan and his older brother will bring her a book to read. In this visit, I learned so much: 1 – Mom is doing an amazing job coping with three little boys under 3; 2- Mom is demonstrating as well as commenting about her strategies for coping with an incredibly busy household, telling me who her support people are and more; 3- Mom is using the book as a tool at home to entertain and teach her little boys; 4 – her little boy demonstrates a love of books!

These stories would not be happening every day in 39 clinics across the metropolitan area without the amazing support of our donors. I am so grateful to have ROR-KC as an integral part of my clinical practice. These stories make my day, and of course the day for my patients and their families. THANK YOU for all that you do to support ROR-KC with your time or your treasure or both!!