Charlotte Gould following surgery to repair cleft palate
This “Teen” is a Pre-teen!
For those of you who follow the Clean Teen Reads blog, and are familiar with “Teens on the Scene,” you know that I love to put teens in the spotlight and share the great things they’re doing to change their world.
When I learned about Charlotte, and learned she was only ten-years-old, I knew I had to shine a massive spotlight on this girl. Goodness me, what a heart this girl has. So this is a “Pre-teen on the Scene”!
Charlotte creates cloth dolls to give to children who are facing surgery, which we all know is a scary time for kids! She calls her business, Stitches by Charlotte.
Charlotte herself has had several surgeries. She was born with cleft lip and palate and knows firsthand how scary a surgery can be. (Photo above)
Charlotte Gould with her hand-made “Stitches by Charlotte” dolls
This is Charlotte’s own fact list from her FACEBOOK page:
- I was born with a cleft lip & palate and have had several surgeries. I love my smile!!
- At age 5, I started a charitable program at my local hospital giving every baby born with a cleft a teddy bear with stitches on his nose.
- A little over two years ago, my Nana gave me a sewing machine and I made a doll. I had the idea to sell my dolls to raise money for my bears… and my business, Stitches by Charlotte, was born.
- Late last year, I was a finalist in the Imagine if with Jif contest (yes, as in Jif peanut butter). Supporters from around the World rallied behind me and my idea of a line of dolls designed for children needing surgery. With such amazing support, I WON! I am now working on my BIG business dream.
- Since the contest, my team and I have been working non-stop! Who knew it was so much work creating a real business and doll line!?! I’ve received so much help from friends and family and I PROMISE the doll line is COMING SOON!
- My dream becomes more of a reality EVERYDAY, but my mom says we have to take our time and do everything right!!
- The new and much anticipated surgery companion doll line is expected to make its big debut in the fall before the holidays!
Check out the video that tells more about Charlotte.
I pray that Charlotte’s story, and her passion and love for others will catch fire and inspire other kids to follow their dreams. You’re never too young!!
And while we’re on the subject of dreams, here’s a heartwarming story of a teen who has big dreams, but needs a little boost to help make them come true. Lingering Dreams is available on Amazon in both digital and print versions. (Lingering Dreams is title #6 in the Norma Jean Lutz Classic Collection.)
Shy, quiet Kirsten Nicholson’s life on the sprawling family ranch in Oklahoma has been one of serene predictability. In fact, her rancher father, Carter, detests change. But changes galore explode when seventeen-year-old Enrique Delaire arrives on the scene. Wearing his “Bronc Busting’s a Kicker” ballcap, his Nikes, and his surfer shirt, Enrique is ready to ride. And ride he does, not only into the hearts of this family, but into the hearts of this entire rural community.
Grab a copy today and see if you’re not inspired to make your own dreams come true!
