Cancer survivor Amber Bullock, 18, is pictured Aug. 19, 2015, in the Edward A. Block Family Library at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.
Daily Journal Archive Photo
News from around Johnson County as reported on Aug. 24 in the pages of the Daily Journal and the Franklin Evening Star from the last 111 years.
On this day in 2015, the main story on the front page of the Daily Journal was about a cancer survivor repaying Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis with a donation of books.
“During the most difficult days of chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries to treat cancer, something as small as a picture book or a new novel can put a smile on a child’s face,” the story began.
Cancer survivor Amber Bullock, 18, remembers this. She knew who exciting it was when the book cart came around the cancer ward at Riley Hospital.
When she was diagnosed with a rare cancer as an infant, she became a regular patient at the hospital. Her mother would read to her to ease her pain and discomfort.
“My mom always tells me about how the book cart would come around, and that would help. Riley did so much for me, and I wanted to give something back to them,” she said.
To help current and future patients at Riley, Bullock helped collect more than 700 books that summer for its lending library. The novels, picture books, young-adult fantasy stories and other items would entertain kids with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Seventeen years had passed since the Greenwood resident finished treatment for neuroblastoma, cancer of the nervous system. But the impact that the experience had was still fresh on her mind, and she wanted to make sure the next sick little boy or girl got the same benefit.
“I’m really thankful for everyone who donated, and I hope everyone likes it,” Bullock said.
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Other memorable Johnson County stories from this day
2002
A Great Depression-era barn that served as a gathering spot and boat launch area for hundreds of Lamb Lake families burned down the day prior following a powerful thunderstorm.
1983
The Indiana Masonic Home Hospital was in for a surprise as patients and staff members heard a baby crying after a staff member gave birth — nearly 2.5 months early.
1973
It took eight days and more than seven gallons of paint, but two Franklin teens were able to paint 245 fire hydrants.
