Now Caitlin Can

the long version

This beautifully illustrated and touching story of a baby, Caitlin, who comes home from the hospital after birth with a defective kidney, is told through the eyes of her brother, Freddie, as he deals with all the mysteries of seeing his baby sister dealing with this life threatening illness. Each procedure and scene is described as told to this small boy, from the doctor’s office visit to the many in home situations as the family struggles to keep their daughter alive through her first five years. Eventually a kidney transplant succeeds in restoring her to a normal child’s life, able to play and eat like her big brother. Amazingly, this book is based on actual life events. That real transplant story ending is told on the final page, brought to life with photos of Caitlin, Freddie, both her family and the donor’s family, along with their son, Mark, the accident victim and eventual donor. As Caitlin prays on the final page: “God, remember to thank the people who gave me a kidney and helped me feel better. And thank you for the best birthday I ever had.” Who could say it better? From a review of Now Caitlin Can, by Jim Gleason, a heart recipient who read the book with his granddaughter, Carol.