National Gift of the Ladybug Day
Just like ladybugs with their fascinating polka-dotted backs and curious dispositions, all children are uniquely valuable and worth celebrating! History of National Gift of the Ladybug Day Founded by author Carole Mac in memory of her son, National Gift of the Ladybug Day aims to honor and encourage all children who have...
Drive book sales and charitable donations by positioning children's health advocacy and family support as a cause-marketing opportunity tied to a heartfelt founder story.
- Share the founder's story: How Carole Mac turned grief into a movement supporting families with critically ill children
- Feature 'The Gift of the Ladybug' book as a gift that gives back—each purchase funds pediatric charities
- Spotlight volunteer opportunities at children's hospitals and ways families can support peers in crisis
- Highlight real families helped by donations and the tangible impact of community support during medical hardship
Founded by author Carole Mac in memory of her son, National Gift of the Ladybug Day aims to honor and encourage all children who have critical illnesses.
Named after a book that Mac wrote in honor of her son, TJ, this event aims to bring people together to foster community and healing of the complex difficulties that come to families because of critical illness in children.
National Gift of the Ladybug Day is scheduled to take place on TJ’s birthday as a nod to the beauty of his short life.
In addition to raising awareness about childhood illnesses, this event also takes the opportunity to provide financial support to the many families who need it. For every purchase of The Gift of the Ladybug book, a percentage of the profits is donated to charities that help children with critical illnesses.
Read The Gift of the Ladybug
Author Carole Mac wrote this book to offer a connection to families whose children have medical differences. The main character of the story, a ladybug named “Polkadot”, makes statements about who she is as a ladybug and how she couldn’t be anything else. The themes are meant to encourage families with children who, just like the ladybug, may have unique qualities but they are never forgotten. Also, just like ladybugs, children can capture everyone’s imaginations and hearts. And that’s what National Gift of the Ladybug Day is all about!
Support Children with Critical Illnesses
Every parent is concerned when their child becomes ill, but most childhood illnesses are short lived. However, for those families who experience pediatric critical illness, it can be life-changing and devastating. Getting help from the community, whether through the cooking of meals or paying of medical bills, can make a huge difference in a family’s ability to take care of their children who are ill. Make a donation to a charity that cares for children with illnesses, such as the MBA Open Door Foundation, AmeriDisability, HealthWell Foundation and many others.
Volunteer at a Children’s Hospital
Another way to get involved with National Gift of the Ladybug Day might be volunteering at a local children’s hospital. This might include reading to children, hosting fund-raising events, or providing assistance to families whose children are in the hospital. Consider celebrating a few other days throughout the year that are dedicated to raising awareness and helping children with critical illnesses, including Tracky Dack Day in May, World Duchenne Awareness Day on September 7, and National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month throughout September.