When Tabitha Geary was growing up, hospital stays were a regular part of life. Now the Marblehead High School sophomore is working to make those difficult days a little brighter for children facing similar experiences.
Geary, 16, recently launched “Story Snuggles,” a book collection effort that provides gently used children’s books for pediatric patients in local hospitals. Since starting the project last fall, she has already collected about 460 books.
“I definitely enjoyed having books read to me in the hospital,” Geary said.
Geary’s own health challenges began when she was just 6 weeks old, when she contracted respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and later developed asthma. Throughout her childhood, she was frequently hospitalized with pneumonia and other complications.
At one point, nerve damage in her legs required her to use a walker for three months.
Another mystery illness lingered for years before doctors determined the cause.
“I had chronic appendicitis,” Geary said. “It took almost two years for that process to happen. They couldn’t figure it out.”
After repeated hospital visits, she finally had her appendix removed in third grade at Massachusetts General Hospital, a turning point that led to a healthier stretch of childhood.
She has also broken her back twice doing gymnastics. (She has since retired from the sport.)
Books were often a source of comfort during long hospital stays.
One story in particular stands out.
“My favorite was ‘The Wizard of Oz,’” Geary said. “The book we had was very special — a very big book with gold in the pictures. My mom would read it to me, and I would look at the pictures.”
That memory helped inspire Story Snuggles.
The program collects children’s books ranging from picture books to young adult titles, generally aimed at readers up to about age 16. Geary asks that donated books be new or gently used and in good condition.
She has collection spots at National Grand Bank and Hip Baby Gear. Magic Hat Thrift Shop has been a big donor.
“I really like to lead,” said Geary. “This felt like a way to do something meaningful.”
Geary began collecting books in September and hopes to turn Story Snuggles into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization later this spring so the project can continue to grow.
While she has not yet delivered the books, she is currently reaching out to hospitals to coordinate regular donations.
Her first target is Salem Hospital, with plans to expand to hospitals in Boston as the program develops.
She hopes to distribute books once a month, helping young patients experience the same comfort she once felt.
Despite her challenges, Geary has focused her energy on helping others — something that also connects to her future ambitions.
“I’m definitely interested — as of right now I want to be a pediatric hospitalist,” she said.
For Geary, Story Snuggles is about giving hospitalized children a small escape during difficult moments — the same kind of escape books have always given her.
“Having someone read to you in the hospital,” she said, “really makes a difference.”
You can learn more about Story Snuggles at storysnuggles.org.
