the story of Lily and Leif
by Alison Mayer with illustrations by Michael Miller
This book is dedicated to the kids of catalpa
Hi, I’m Lily! I’m 10 years old.
Hi!
And this is my older brother Leif. He’s 16.
Even though he’s a teenager, he still makes time for me. Sometimes he gives me a ride to my piano lesson and even lets me listen to the music I like on the way there!
When the weather is nice, Leif bikes with me to school.
I like going to school, but Leif doesn’t.
Hey Leif! wait up!
I do not like school.
Sometimes we race!
You see, Leif isn’t like his friends. He has trouble paying attention in class and doing homework. Sometimes he gets mad in the classroom and is sent to the school office. Even though he has us and lots of friends, he often feels lonely. 5 4
office
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A couple of years ago, my mom and dad tried to make an appointment for Leif to see a counselor, but they were told there was a really, reeeeeally long wait.
There are three healthcare organizations in the Fox Valley – Affinity Health System, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, and ThedaCare – but it took weeks and months (that’s a lot of days!) for Leif to get in somewhere and see a counselor.
appointment re
minder
patient name: Le if has an appointm ent in: six weeks time: 2:00 with: Counselor T wig
Mom, dad and I wanted the best for Leif. We were sad to see him so blue all the time.
But one day, the three healthcare organizations and local advocates realized there was a great need for counseling services and support for kids like Leif. They worked together to come up with a solution so kids can get the help they deserve.
idea! They created a special place called Catalpa Health. It is where Leif attends group therapy and has one-on-one visits with his therapist, who Leif can see whenever he needs to without having to wait for a long time.
Sometimes, after his appointment ends, he stops in the resource library and borrows a book so he can learn more.
living with
There are many people that work at Catalpa who give us hope that Leif can be healthier! Leif received psychological testing to determine why he was having trouble concentrating. A psychiatrist also prescribed Leif medication to help him feel better. Mom and dad even met with a case manager who connected our family to other resources in the community. All these providers are under one roof!
Nowadays, my brother smiles more, and his good days outweigh the bad. We are so proud of him!
Catalpa Health is dedicated to improving pediatric mental health. Our experts provide seamless, compassionate care to Fox Valley area youth and their families.
444 N. Westhill Blvd. Appleton, WI 54914 Main: 920.750.7000
For more information visit us at
w w w. c a t a l p a h e a l t h . o r g