Hanako Kitano knows what it’s like to be in hospital for a long time. Though she didn’t have cancer, she had an extremely rare disease that befuddled doctors for most of her life. Last year, she was finally diagnosed correctly with FMF (Familial Mediterranean Fever) and now receives medicine to control the disease. However, her years and years in the hospital as a child, have inspired her studies in the field of Environmental Information (Focusing on Informed-Consent to children, Play Therapy, Preparation Tools). Knowing how scary and boring a hospital stay can be, she has created a fun little coloring and activity book for children about being in the hospital.
The Tyler Foundation supports the printing of this book and is helping with its distribution. As a first step, the books are being given out by The Tyler Foundation counselor, Satomi Funaki, at the National Center for Child Health and Development’s oncology ward. But in the future, Hanako would like to see her books in hospitals and doctors offices across Japan!
Message From Hanako Kitano
From my own childhood hospitalization experience, I am aware of the many restrictions and tolerance that surface from the serious illnesses. The truth is, no kids will want to know or hear that they are sick as the thought of it makes them insecure. I, too did not want to find out about my illness but I knew I had the right to be informed just like any adult. The medical team may be able to provide the medication and surgery but the best medicine is still the smiles from each and everyone around.
That is why, I want to express my gratefulness through this art book to those who have shared their smiles so generously with me. Especially, I want to thank the late Nomura Midori Sensei for giving me the opportunity to make this art book and for her tireless efforts dedicated to the disabled and kids and hope she will rest in peace.
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Born April 21, 1987, currently enrolled at Keio University (Environmental Information Department) specializing in themed-studies in “Informed Consent for Sick Children,” “Play Therapy.”