On September 11, 2024, a special gift arrived at Duke Children’s Hospital
in Durham, NC.—children’s books prepared by the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation.
To bring warmth and hope to children staying in the hospital,
WeLoveU members and local citizens joined forces to donate 350 books.

Reading books has a positive impact
on children’s treatment and development.

The Power of Reading

Emotional Stability & Stress Relief

Alleviating fear and anxiety experienced in the hospital, and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness caused by being cut off from the outside world.

Psychological Therapy &Attention Enhancement

Helping maintain focus in an environment where long treatments may lead to decreased attention span, and improving concentration and attentiveness through immersive reading.

Cognitive Development &Language Skills Improvement

Enhancing critical thinking, imagination, and problem-solving skills, while also supporting academic achievement after discharge.

Empathy Development

Providing indirect exposure to diverse social situations and emotions unavailable in the hospital and strengthening empathy and emotional expression skills.

On the day WeLoveU visited the hospital, a small book fair was held.
Children, together with their parents, enjoyed selecting, touching,
and reading books. For a moment, they escaped their hospital rooms
and immersed themselves in the world of imagination.
Their faces lit up with smiles, and their eyes gleamed with curiosity.

Chelsea Cook, Ward 3 Council Member, Durham City Council

“I love books, which is why I find WeLoveU’s support so incredible. I’d like to take this moment to thank Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah and all the WeLoveU members. I’m honor to be part of this initiative alongside Duke Children’s Hospital and Intl. WeLoveU Foundation. Thank you for your dedication.”

Chelsea Cook, Ward 3 Council Member, Durham City Council

Dr. Ann M. Reed, Chair, Department of Pediatrics and Physician-in-Chief, Duke Children's Hospital

“When you think about that type of activity (reading books), it’s very calming and soothing. Through books, children get to think, imagine, and take their mind away from why they are here.”

Dr. Ann M. Reed, Chair, Department of Pediatrics and Physician-in-Chief, Duke Children's Hospital

The power of a book is greater than we imagine.
It plants hope in children’s hearts, gives wings to their imagination,
and becomes a comforting companion on their long journey to recovery.

WeLoveU will continue donating books to bring comfort and hope to children.