Â鶹´«Ã½

Lifestyle

    • Her dad was diagnosed with cancer. To honour him, this teen donated thousands of books to kids in hospitals

    Emily Bhatnagar and her dad, Mike Bhatnagar. The family lives in suburban Washington, DC. (Courtesy Jyoti Bhatnagar) Emily Bhatnagar and her dad, Mike Bhatnagar. The family lives in suburban Washington, DC. (Courtesy Jyoti Bhatnagar)
    Share

    Emily Bhatnagar has always found solace in reading. When she's struggling with anxiety and depression, she turns to books.

    So when she accidentally saw a text message on her father's phone notifying relatives he had stage 4 thyroid cancer, she masked her fears with the one thing she's always found comfort in.

    But this time, she went a little further.

    At the age of 17, Emily launched a neighborhood book drive in honour of her dad, Mike Bhatnagar. She decided she'd donate the books to children who were also facing health scares.

    "I thought to myself, I'm only a teenager. What can I do? I am not a doctor. I can't save lives, but I can hopefully make them a tiny bit brighter," says the teen, who lives with her parents in Gaithersburg, Maryland. "I was drowning in sadness when my dad was diagnosed. Thinking of these little children going through the same thing as my dad was unimaginable."

    This was July 2021. Her initial goal was to collect books for children undergoing cancer treatment, but she's expanded it to all patients under 18. She called her effort For Love and Buttercup, after a favorite flower, and launched it with a request for book donations on neighborhood app Nextdoor.

    Nearly two years later, her father's thyroid has improved, For Love and Buttercup is a nonprofit and her grassroots efforts have spurred donations of more than 15,000 children's books to DC-area hospitals.

    "Buttercup flowers represent childlike innocence and playfulness that a lot of these kids don't get to experience ... It's what I hope they feel, even for a few seconds, when they open my books," she says.

    The neighborhood book drive that began with a lone teen in a cloud of despair over her dad's illness has grown into a nationwide initiative. And Emily, now 19, says it's given her and her father a shared distraction that allows them to heal together.

    Emily Bhatnagar with stacks of donated books. She says it's been rewarding to see kids in hospitals become excited about getting the books. (Courtesy Jyoti Bhatnagar)

    BOOK DRIVE IS A FAMILY OPERATION

    Emily Bhatnagar says she'll never forget the day she learned of her dad's cancer diagnosis in late 2019. He'd asked her to help him find an email on his phone when she stumbled on the message.

    The teen says she had long battled depression, anxiety and an eating disorder, but that went up "1,000%" after she learned of her dad's illness.

    A few months later her dad was rushed to the ER because the tumor was making it hard for him to breathe and he needed an emergency tracheotomy.

    For months, Emily watched in fear as the disease began taking away pieces of him: his health, his hair, his voice. She started starving herself. She felt guilty about eating when her father was feeding through a tube.

    "I just physically couldn't get myself to eat anything," she says. "I wanted to spend every waking second with him."

    So Emily, who says she largely kept to herself in school and read books during recess, started thinking about how to help.

    She posted the request for books on Nextdoor and was stunned when new and gently used volumes poured in from strangers of all backgrounds: a bioengineering graduate, a former sports journalist, a preschool teacher, a lover of romance novels, an astronomy major.

    Her parents grew up in New Delhi, India, and immigrated to the US three decades ago seeking a better life. The family runs a takeout restaurant that serves Indian food and bakes Roti, Paratha and other flatbreads. Emily set up an Amazon wish list and listed their eatery's Gaithersburg address as the place where donors could send books.

    Her book drive became a family operation. The family, including Emily's older brother, Michael, began spending evenings at the eatery, opening boxes of books. Delivering boxes of books to hospitals became a father-daughter routine. On days when her father was too sick to go with her, Emily called him on FaceTime from the hospitals as she made deliveries.

    It gave the family something else to focus on during a stressful time.

    "My dad is always at the shop," Emily says. "What I really like is that he never lost his spark after cancer. He's still super excited about life."

    Mike Bhatnagar has lost most of his vocal cords and speaks in a raspy whisper. He uses a tube to feed through his stomach.

    He told CNN in an email that his daughter's project has given him strength -- and her a voice.

    "I feel a little bit more strong each day. Emily has a lot to do with that," he said. "I didn't expect the impact of her book drive to be this huge. I thought it was only local and didn't realize just how much passion Emily had for this cause."

    Emily Bhatnagar and her dad deliver books to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. ‘Being able to help someone else made the load a tiny bit lighter,’ she says. (Courtesy Jyoti Bhatnagar)

    HOSPITALS SAY THEY ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE BOOKS

    As Emily tried to come to terms with her dad's illness, she reached out to hospitals in the Washington, DC area about donating books. She wanted to give sick children a form of escape, too.

    One of her first donations was a batch of about 1,500 books to Inova Cares Clinic for Families, which treats underserved and uninsured people in northern Virginia, says Fadi Saadeh, the facility's senior director of community health.

    Emily says she tries to pick books for children of all ages -- from infants to teenagers -- and weighs several factors in her choices.

    "Of course I want to include childhood classics like Harry Potter, but I also want to ensure my books are diverse and have characters that the children reading these books can see themselves in," she says.

    "As an Asian American, I always felt so excluded because almost none of the books I read had characters that looked like me, or could relate to my heritage. I also try to add books written by smaller authors that may be people of colour, and books that carry powerful messages about perseverance."

    Between the pages, she often tucks a personal note with a positive message for kids. Sometimes, she'll add Beanie Babies and other stuffed animals. Saadeh says those are extremely popular with kids at their Virginia clinics.

    "Dear sweet child," reads one of her notes to a pediatric cancer patient. "You are a real life superhero. My hero Superman's strength doesn't even compare to yours."

    The Bhatnagar family delivered another 1,500 books in November to Holy Cross Health hospitals and clinics. Alisa Smallwood, chief development officer at Holy Cross Health, said the books are a welcome distraction for hospitalized kids.

    "When we are faced with challenges, we really have a choice in how to respond. She chose to look outside herself and help others -- that's really brave," Smallwood says. "We are grateful to have been chosen by Emily ... Hospitals are a scary place for kids, and the books will help enhance the healing environment."

    Whenever possible, Emily specifies the books go to hospitals with pediatric cancer units. And as the pandemic eases, she has finally been able to distribute some books in person.

    "Watching the kids get excited when I handed them the books ... it was the most precious, best day of life," she says.

    Emily Bhatnagar opening packages of books. She received so many books for her dad's birthday that they filled up her parents' bread shop in suburban Maryland. (Courtesy Jyoti Bhatnagar)

    HER CAUSE IS TEACHING HER LIFE SKILLS

    Emily says she's still blown away by the fact that strangers donate books to her.

    "This would not even exist without them. It's still so crazy to me that they use their hard-earned money on my books ... on a cause run by a 19-year-old."

    Emily says she is feeling much better now. But her father recently got some more bad news. His cancer was in remission for a while, but doctors recently found cancerous spots in his lungs, she says.

    This time, however, she feels a more equipped to handle the setback.

    "Your emotions, no matter how strong and powerful they feel, they can never kill you," she says. "You will survive. You just have to breathe."

    Emily is taking virtual classes at Montgomery College and hopes to transfer to an in-person school once her father's health stabliizes. Her dream is to major in psychology at Yale University and work with children.

    In the meantime, the books keep coming. Her not-so-little book drive is teaching her how to run a nonprofit and build relationships with community leaders.

    The most important lesson she's learned? That there's still beauty in the world, however tough things get sometimes, she says.

    And a book is always a good distraction.

    CTVNews.ca Top Stories

    A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    Why brain aging can vary dramatically between people

    Researchers are uncovering deeper insights into how the human brain ages and what factors may be tied to healthier cognitive aging, including exercising, avoiding tobacco, speaking a second language or even playing a musical instrument.

    Canada

    • A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    • Two nephews of the beloved Harry R. Hamilton share stories about his life and legacy.

    • The federal government is urging both sides in the British Columbia port dispute to return to the table after mediated talks broke off on Saturday, the first of three scheduled days.

    • The union representing some 1,200 dockworkers at the Port of Montreal has overwhelmingly rejected a deal with their employers association.

    World

    Politics

    • Murray Sinclair’s family members say the late justice and senator has been laid to rest according to his wishes.

    • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced voters in Cloverdale—Langley City will pick their next member of Parliament on Dec. 16.

    Health

    Sci-Tech

    Entertainment

    Business

    Lifestyle

    Sports

    • The Edmonton Oilers may have found the break they were looking for.

    • Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, Colorado Avalanche centre Nathan MacKinnon and Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen have been named the NHL's three stars of the week.

    Autos

    Local Spotlight

    For the second year in a row, the ‘Gift-a-Family’ campaign is hoping to make the holidays happier for children and families in need throughout Barrie.

    Some of the most prolific photographers behind CTV Skywatch Pics of the Day use the medium for fun, therapy, and connection.

    A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.

    As Connor Nijsse prepared to remove some old drywall during his garage renovation, he feared the worst.

    A group of women in Chester, N.S., has been busy on the weekends making quilts – not for themselves, but for those in need.

    A Vancouver artist whose streetside singing led to a chance encounter with one of the world's biggest musicians is encouraging aspiring performers to try their hand at busking.

    Ten-thousand hand-knit poppies were taken from the Sanctuary Arts Centre and displayed on the fence surrounding the Dartmouth Cenotaph on Monday.

    A Vancouver man is saying goodbye to his nine-to-five and embarking on a road trip from the Canadian Arctic to Antarctica.

    • LIVE

      LIVE

      Thousands of people are gathered in downtown Vancouver to observe the city’s 100th Remembrance Day ceremony.

    • A suspect was arrested for allegedly brandishing a knife outside a Vancouver elementary school on Friday – just as the young students were heading home for the day.

    • The federal government is urging both sides in the British Columbia port dispute to return to the table after mediated talks broke off on Saturday, the first of three scheduled days.

    • Several hundred people gathered outside the Ontario legislature in Toronto to honour veterans and remember those who died fighting for their country.

    • Toronto is expected to see an economic boost to the tune of nearly $300 million thanks to Taylor Swift’s upcoming Eras Tour, which will be making a stop in Canada’s largest city for a six-show run later this month.

    • A man believed to be in his 40s has been rushed to a trauma centre following a stabbing in downtown Toronto.

    • Calgarians will be observing Remembrance Day at a number of different ceremonies across the city, including at the Hangar Flight Museum.

    • July 2025 may seem like it’s in the distant future, but for the St. Luke playground committee time is ticking to fundraise the $340,000 they still need to build a new playground.

    • Getting out to the mountains is even easier with a new bus route from a growing Germany-based service.

    • Crowds gathered in Ottawa and eastern Ontario on Monday to honour the sacrifice of men and women in uniform who gave their lives in service of Canada.

    • The Fleet Street Pumping station is Ottawa's oldest water facility. Up to two-thirds of the city's water supply can move through it,

    • The company confirms it will open the new Chipotle at 5671 Hazeldean Road on Thursday, in the former location of Benny & Co.

    • A 36-year-old Montreal man who was out on bail after allegedly uttering death threats to a woman is now accused of murdering her on the South Shore.

    • With fewer interments and rising maintenance fees, the money for Canada's largest military cemetery will run out in three to four years.

    • Montreal Metro passengers can now flag a safety concern by texting a new phone number launched by the STM.

    • A member of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton participated in the national Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa on Monday.

    • WEATHER

      WEATHER

      This is shaping up to be one of the warmest Remembrance Days in the past decade, at least, for temperatures.

    • Thousands of Maritimers turned out in wet weather Monday to remember those who have served, and continue to serve, in Canada's armed forces for Remembrance Day.

    • A Cape Breton senior recalls her life in German-occupied France, and her mother’s death, during the Second World War.

    • Thousand of people gathered at the Menin Gate in the Ypres, Belgium for Monday’s Remembrance Day Ceremony.

    • Remembrance Day is today, and a number of ceremonies are taking place around the province to honour those who gave their lives to serve our country.

    • A pillar in Canada’s history was honoured in Winnipeg Sunday afternoon, with thousands showing up to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the late Murray Sinclair.

    • One Manitoba veteran is on a mission to commemorate and honour those who served our country, and not just on Remembrance Day.

    • There will be two ceremonies taking place in Regina for Remembrance Day, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion.

    • Fire crews reported that no one was hurt after flames broke out in a home on Robinson Street in central Regina.

    • Regina author Valerie Crowther is celebrating the release of her book ‘War Letters: Linking Lives in the Second World War.’

    • Saskatchewan RCMP are searching for a suspect after a man was seriously injured in a farm-related incident in Montreal Lake.

    • It was a somber day at Mosaic Stadium as members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders officially cleaned out their stalls and closed the book on the 2024 season.

    • The Regina Rams claimed the Hardy Cup after a hard fought battle against the Saskatoon Huskies 19-14 on Saturday in the first all Saskatchewan U-Sports western conference final since 2002.

    • Emergency crews responded to the scene on Road 68/Highway 2 east of Thamesford around 7 p.m.

    • The events will start at 10:15 a.m. with a parade that forms up in front of the Delta London Armories, marches east on Dundas Street and turns north onto Waterloo Street to Dufferin Avenue, the west to the Cenotaph.

    • A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    • A Barrie man is at the centre of an alleged $2.2 million stolen used car scheme.

    • The 75th anniversary of the Barrie Santa Claus Parade will feature floats, live entertainment, and new attractions, including Santa’s Fireside Gathering.

    • Environment Canada issued a weather alert for Barrie, Collingwood and surrounding areas, alerting residents about the wicked winds that are expected to pick up to 80 kilometres per hour in the afternoon hours.

    • Representatives of the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee, military representatives, wreath bearers, government officials, and members of the public will attend the Cenotaph at City Hall Square for the outdoor service.

    • Windsor Paralympic champion, Danielle Campo, has been crowned the number one Inspirational Speaker of the Year for 2024 at the Inspirational Speaking Finals.

    • One person has been arrested after Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) received multiple complaints about an alleged drunk driver.

    • Environment Canada says heavy rain and winds could cause power outages on Vancouver Island as an "intense" storm system is set to hit the B.C. coast Sunday.

    • Six deer were struck by vehicles in six different locations in a six-hour period on B.C. highways on Saturday, according to the transportation ministry.

    • The union for locked-out port workers in British Columbia says the BC Maritime Employers Association cut off talks in less than an hour Saturday, refusing to budge on a final offer that the union has so far rejected.

    • The emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver, B.C., will be closed for 31 hours this weekend, the second such closure in a week and the third since the start of November.

    • Police in Kamloops, B.C., are reminding parents and guardians to check their children's Halloween candy after receiving a report of a mother finding a razor blade in one of her daughter's treats.

    • More than two years after Alannah Brown and Douglas Barker were found dead north of Penticton, police are asking for help identifying a vehicle they believe was associated with the crime.

    • The Southern Alberta Recreation Association is officially announcing the Town of Taber as next year’s host for the Southern Alberta Summer Games.

    • The Lethbridge Hurricanes broke open a close game with three goals in the first two minutes of the third period as they defeated the Warriors 7-3 in a game played Friday night in Moose Jaw.

    • There might not a lot snow just yet, but many southern Albertans are still itching to get outdoors.

    • It was just days before the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down when the Shaft Bottom Boys of Sudbury broke a world record for 'Deepest Concert Underground.' Now, more than four years later, a Timmins band is looking to take the title.

    • Police say that a 16-year-old was attacked with a sword Nov. 3 in Cobalt, Ont., in a case of intimate partner violence.

    • Police have arrested a 15-year-old in connection with a break-in and $50,000 in damage done to the Centennial Arena in Elliot Lake in September.

    N.L.

    Shopping Trends

    The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at Â鶹´«Ã½. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.

    Stay Connected
    Follow Â鶹´«Ã½