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Some of you know my family’s story, but for those of you that don’t, here is a quick synopsis.

My brother and sister-in-law spent years trying to have a baby, and finally succeeded via IVF in 2008. After several tragedies (lost a baby in utero) and other extreme illnesses that were pregnancy related, they had twins in April of 2008. In October of 2008, they both got sick. One baby girl got better, and one didn’t. As it turns out, she had contracted a very rare strain of bacterial meningitis for which there is no vaccine. After spending 18 days in the PICU at the Children’s Hospital of Denver, her little 7-month-old body just couldn’t take any more and she passed away.

As a result of that tragedy and part of the healing process, my sister-in-law does a project every year called Mary’s Books. It initially was to replenish the stock of books at the PICU where they stayed, but the response has been so overwhelmingly positive that she now also donates books to the Ronald McDonald House and other charities. Here is their story:

The 2012 book drive for Mary’s Books is now underway, and I’d appreciate any support you can give. Here is the Mary’s Books Wish List, which Jen continuously updates based on what age groups are not receiving enough books. Books do not have to be purchased through Amazon, that is just presented as an option to make it easier. If you live in the Denver area and wish to just drop off some books, you can visit the Mary’s Books page and check for your nearest drop off location. Additionally, you can contact them through that site if you have any questions or wish to make some other type of donation. There also is an online Facebook event, if you’d like to join us and help spread the word.