Adding some colour

1 “Excuse me, may I have a purple crayon, please?” five-year-old Leah asked a nurse. “I want to colour the butterfly.”            

2 “Sorry, but I can’t find one,” said the nurse. “I’m afraid you’ll have to draw a grey butterfly.”

3 This conversation happened in a waiting room at Sunshine Hospital. The hospital provided colouring books for young patients. But there were never enough crayons. Why? Well, crayons may carry viruses and spread diseases. They can only be used once. Then they must be thrown away. The hospital had many new patients every day. It just couldn’t afford new crayons for every child.   

4 Leah was born with a serious disease, and she made many hospital visits. “A lot of the time she’s in great pain,” her mum said. “But colouring has helped her get through it.” Leah didn’t want other young patients to feel her disappointment. “It can be boring to wait for X-rays and treatments. I want them to feel good,” she said. “There must be something for me to do.”

5 Leah planned to buy 500 boxes of crayons for the hospital. However, all her pocket money was only enough for about 40 boxes. Because of her illness, she couldn’t do chores for money, either.  

6 It might sound impossible, but Leah didn’t give up. With the help of her family and friends, she held many activities to raise money. And she would always be there in her wheelchair. Word spread fast, and Leah’s story went public. So far, she has collected 2,675 boxes.     

7 “She is a kind girl,” said one nurse. “She’s added colour to this hospital. The waiting rooms are now filled with happier kids and brighter pictures!”