Power of Print to the Rescue
A first grader from Maryland experienced the thrill of a lifetime when she published her first children’s book last December. And in a show of compassion well beyond her seven years, the little girl is using this personal achievement to help a classmate facing extremely dire health issues.
Caden Curtin, the young author from Mt. Airy, Maryland, published the children’s book—“Adventures in the Woods”—with help from a couple of family members, as well as illustrator Jaci Moos, who works for Gasch Printing in Odenton, Maryland. The hard cover book was printed by Gasch, which specializes in short- to medium-run digital book printing.
During a release party at Gasch Printing in late December, young Ms. Curtin came up with a terrific idea. She wanted to donate 100 percent of the sales proceeds from her book to help Aubrey, a seriously ill classmate from Parr’s Ridge Elementary School. Aubrey, who is facing mounting surgeries and medical bills, was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, tethered spinal cord and neurogenic bladder and bowel.
Recent tests indicated that Aubrey may be experiencing kidney failure, and she faces a three-month stay in a New York hospital following surgery later this year. So when Caden heard that Aubrey’s family was soliciting donations to help offset the onerous medical and housing costs, she wanted to help.
As news of the gesture spread locally, the modest first run of the book sold out quickly. One person paid $200 for a copy of the book in a charitable gesture. Gasch Printing has joined the cause as well, waiving all printing and illustration fees to ensure that 100 percent of the proceeds benefit Caden’s classmate. The printer is also matching proceeds dollar for dollar to help Aubrey’s family.
“For someone of her age to think of how she can help Aubrey is truly remarkable,” notes Jeremy Hess, director of sales and marketing at Gasch Printing. “This has caught everyone by surprise. And it speaks to the power that books and printed material can have.”
At press time, the young girl did not have a website for her book or a way to place an order. Google search Caden’s name and book title, as that likely will have changed as you read this. A GoFundMe account has been created for Aubrey. You can also reach out to Hess through www.gaschprinting.com for more information, if you would like to help. PI
