A local teenager from Gaithersburg collects books for children who have been diagnosed with cancer. Emily Bhatnagar, 19, started her non-profit book drive called For Love & Buttercup in July 2021, after her father was diagnosed with stage four thyroid cancer.
“I think my dad feels proud,” said Bhatnagar. “He helps me with book deliveries and I always see the biggest smile on his face when he sees the kids’ reaction to the books.”
Bhatnagar says she always enjoyed reading and believes it truly has healing benefits. Since her nearly two years in business, Bhatnagar has visited MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Children’s National Hospital, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, the National Institutes of Health, Inova, and Holy Cross Hospital.
“I think books have the power to transport anyone into an imaginary world,” said Bhatnagar. “They have the power to let anyone escape reality for just a moment. I have had anxiety for as long as I can remember and often felt like I couldn’t shut off my racing thoughts. Books were the only thing that helped me as a little girl. For me, books allow me to “flip off the switch” in my mind, and I hope that it allows a child to do the same so they can immerse themselves in an alternative universe!”
In the first month, Bhatnagar raised more than $1,000 and so far has collected nearly 15,000 books. She was acknowledged by Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation and received the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
In the future, Bhatnagar dreams to expand her organization’s reach across the East Coast, but she first needs more donations from the community. Currently, she affords most books by using tips she earns from working at her parents’ bread shop.
To donate, you can visit her Instagram and buy books from her Amazon Wish List.
