Erica and Bryan Coe of Brainerd recently donated 250 books each to Lakewood Health System, Essentia-St. Joe’s in Brainerd, Cuyuna Range Medical Center in Crosby, and Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis.
With the help of their family, the Coe’s raised money in memory of their son, Lucas Paul, who passed away unexpectedly in 2015 at the age of 15 months. The money raised was used to buy copies of ‘Animal Alphabet’, which was Lucas’s favorite book. The books will be given to new babies born at Lakewood, and there are also copies in each of the waiting rooms at Lakewood’s clinics. Lucas’s memory will live on with the hope that other children and their families will also share in the joy of reading.
Along with their goal of encouraging families to start reading with their children at an early age to promote bonding, the Coe’s other intent was to educate parents and families on the dangers of childhood choking. The family also gave out a special education tool that identifies household items and toys which may pose a choking hazard for children.