ROCKPORT — Kasey Emery of Camden celebrated her 10th birthday in an unusual way for a child her age. Instead of presents, she asked her friends and family for donations to go toward the purchase of a portable DVD player for pediatric patients at Pen Bay Medical Center. With these generous donations, she also was able to provide new DVDs and books for the use of these young patients as well as a gift of cash to help expand the collection even further.
“We’re extremely happy and delighted with the donation,” said Farrah Hill, nurse manager of Medical-Surgical North at Pen Bay. “It’s so humbling to see a child selflessly make a gift of this magnitude.” Jan Blackington, a medical-surgical nurse, warmly expressed her gratitude for the gifts and the effect they will have on children staying in the hospital.
This is not the first time Kasey has decided to forgo presents for her birthday. Last year, she filled the back of her family’s minivan with donations to the Camden-Rockport Animal Rescue League. She said she initially was inspired to give because of a school project.
Asked why she decided to give to others in need on her birthday, Kasey replied that she had enough for herself and that she wanted to ensure that children are comfortable while they stay in the hospital. Her mother, Chanda, said this may become a family tradition.
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