By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Out of the mouths of babes …
With their classmate, Sophie Hernandez, having been diagnosed with leukemia a couple of weeks ago, Pre-K students at Union City Elementary School are doing their best to lift her spirits as she undergoes treatments.
“I drew you a lion because lions are strong and will make you feel better.”
“I made a heart so you can feel better.”
“God will heal you.”
Those heart-felt sentiments in the form of written comments were all part of a book Sophie’s classmates made to give to her as she began treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.
Sophie is expected to undergo chemo and other treatments for 10 weeks, according to Pre-K teacher Cindy Thralls, who had the idea to uplift the young girl’s spirits with the project.
Three Pre-K classes participated by not only writing notes, but also drawing pictures to accompany their positive messages with help of educational assistants Barbara Brooks, Stacey Ceasar and Joan Slusser.
Thralls said Sophie began experiencing leg pain recently and doctors locally ran tests before she was then sent to St. Jude and was diagnosed.
Debra Lawrence, an ESL teacher at Union City Elementary, will deliver the book of cards this weekend. She’ll also take Sophie some activity and coloring books, along with a box of treats from cafeteria workers.
It is the hope of all involved that the efforts will not only bring a smile to Sophie’s face, but will also make her treatments more bearable.
Or, perhaps better explained by the words of one classmate, “Feel good soon.”
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