by Amanda Harnocz
Reporter
Tallmadge -- "You are kind. You are very special. Get well soon." A teacher and her students hope these simple words from a first-grader make a 4-year-old girl's new heart grow even stronger.
Regina Lindeman, a first grade teacher at Tallmadge's Overdale School, said her students decided to make cards for Boston Heights resident Kendra Riley Seitz, a 4-year-old who received a new heart this summer after doctors discovered she suffered from dilated cardiomyopathy.
"One of my first-grade students read an article in the Tallmadge Express with her father on Kendra and decided to share Kendra's story with the class," said Lindeman.
The student who shared the story, had surgery this year and while she was at home recuperating, her classmates made and sent her cards, she said, noting this is how the idea developed.
"She suggested that the class make cards to make her feel better and cheer her up, just like the children had done for her," said Lindeman. "So we did."
The cards were mailed Nov. 9.
"They made beautiful, cheerful and happy pictures," said Lindeman. "The children are just beginning to learn how to write a message or letter to someone. They wrote things like: 'You rock,' 'You are pretty,' and 'You are a star.'"
The letters weren't delivered before press time, but "If we hear back from Kendra, we would keep in touch. Even if we don't hear back from them, we want to continue making cards" especially with the holidays approaching.
All 20 of the first graders signed the card, "Your new friend."
E-mail: aharnocz@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3911