March 5, 2009
ALL FOR ABBY
Book Drive Sparks a Movement of Generosity

The abruptness of Abigail Ann Kearney’s passing stings the hearts of those who never even knew her. At 13 months old, Abby suffered a massive stroke and died as a result of contracting a non-vaccine strain of pneumococcal meningitis on Mother’s Day, 2008. Her parents, William and Mary Kearney, recall that she seemed fine the day before, but developed a fever and started vomiting. What might have appeared to be symptoms of a mild illness common to toddlers led to a coma — and then she was gone in a matter of hours.

Months later, after managing to surface from a sea of unimaginable grief, the Kearneys decided to honor Abby in a very special way. Abby loved books and enjoyed being read to. The Kearneys wanted other families visiting Medical City Children’s Hospital to have access to a wide selection of books to read to children while they were in the hospital. The idea for the Abby’s Book Corner Book Drive was born.

Originally scheduled to run from December 1 to December 14, 2008, the collection was extended through December 31 because of the avalanche of books being mailed and delivered to the Kearney’s doorstep daily. Donors learned of the book drive through Facebook, Amazon.com, Purple Cow Restaurant (which became a designated drop-off location), and word of mouth.

Mary Kearney and her team of volunteers painstakingly sorted each book, recording the author, title, language, publisher, and suitable age range. At a recent “Stamp the Book” party, each donated book received a seal that reads, “Donated in Loving Memory of Abigail Kearney.” Thanks to monetary donations, the Kearneys also purchased three library carts to allow for easy travel from one patient room to another. On March 5, 2009, the Kearneys delivered more than 1,700 books to Medical City Children’s Hospital.











Throughout the hectic months they worked on Abby’s Book Corner, the Kearneys were also preparing for another delivery. On January 29, 2009, the Kearneys celebrated the birth of their second beautiful daughter, Victoria Abigail Kearney, who will have the chance to learn all about her big sister, Abby, and how her short life spawned a movement that took on a life of its own.

 
For more information about Abby's Book Corner, please visit www.abbysbookcorner.com.