A Reader’s Digest Christmas

By Joel Comm December 22, 2002 98 Comments   

Christmas is a time for family gatherings, family fun, and family traditions. Traditions take all forms, shapes and sizes. Some traditions are traditions without anyone realizing they are. Traditions, that is. One of our family traditions is to put up decorations as soon after Thanksgiving as possible. One of my wife’s is to have me put up our outdoor lights. One of mine is to hide the outdoor lights in a place she can never find them.

An American icon that has assumed traditional status is Reader’s Digest. It has been around for years, and will be for many years to come. The Family Site today is their Christmas theme site, and some of the activities that they feature. Here a visitor can learn the best holiday recipes, read heartwarming seasonal stories, learn how to make ornaments and decorations, and have a great time doing so. This magazine has become such a part of our culture, and this site reflects it.

One memory I have of Reader’s Digest, and I am sure everyone has done this at one time or another is to use the magazine to make Christmas trees. Fold the pages, use glue, paint and sparkles to make a nice tabletop ornament. That was a school tradition when I was growing up. I hope it still is today.

http://www.rdchristmas.com/

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98 Comments to “A Reader’s Digest Christmas”
  1. Gary says:
    September 13, 2011 at 9:24 pm
    Correction - book was autographed in 1964.
    Reply
  2. Gary says:
    September 13, 2011 at 9:22 pm
    I located my copy of "A Little Girl's Gift" given to me by my uncle, Lawrence Elliot and autographed by him in August, 1994. It was a good read then and now.
    Reply
  3. Jennifer says:
    May 29, 2011 at 9:11 am
    Good Morning: We now have a new edition of a "A Little Girl's Gift" available online. In addition we have also created a facebook page in memory of my aunt. Please visit: Janis Babson Memorial You can find information of the newly released book there as well.
    Reply
  4. Caitlin says:
    February 25, 2010 at 7:42 pm
    My mother read this story (A Little Girl's Gift by Lawrence Elliott) when she was young, and she's been talking about it for as long asI can remember. I was wondeirng if anyone knew of or had a copy of this book that I could buy. My email is [email removed]. Thank you.
    Reply
  5. Amy Hill says:
    December 26, 2009 at 11:11 pm
    I read the story of Janis Babson when I was ten. It was the illness of a friend's son that triggered my memory of the story in 1990. I co-founded a campaign called Because I Care that recruited marrow donors in more than 30 states in the United States and ten countries. I was honored to meet the Babson family and also Lawrence Elliott of Reader's Digest. Janis obviously had a profound impact on my life. Janis lives on in the hearts of people around the world.
    Reply
  6. Bob Minder says:
    November 9, 2009 at 11:03 am
    You are most welcome Mingu. Today, I am sending copies of everything to Sato in Brazil and Orazio in Italy. When I send your copies, they were also sent to Alaska, California and Canada. What a remarkable impact this little girl has made to so many. The Reader's Digest article, The Triumph of Janis Babson, who first introduced me to her, still inspires me today. I am still happy to provide what I have, both the Rena Ray and Lawrence Elliot books and newspaper articles from 1961 and 2009, to anyone who asks. I do ask for help in covering the cost of postage, paper and copying, but the rest I do as a labor of love and respect for the memory of a child who touched my soul and led me to become an organ doner. Greetings to Sally Babson, Jennifer Kuntz and to Warren Irving and to many others whose paths I have been privileged to cross by way of the internet. For copies and a list of what I have, please contact me at [email removed]. God bless all of you! Bob
    Reply
  7. Bob Minder says:
    November 9, 2009 at 11:03 am
    You are most welcome Mingu. Today, I am sending copies of everything to Sato in Brazil and Orazio in Italy. When I send your copies, they were also sent to Alaska, California and Canada. What a remarkable impact this little girl has made to so many. The Reader's Digest article, The Triumph of Janis Babson, who first introduced me to her, still inspires me today. I am still happy to provide what I have, both the Rena Ray and Lawrence Elliot books and newspaper articles from 1961 and 2009, to anyone who asks. I do ask for help in covering the cost of postage, paper and copying, but the rest I do as a labor of love and respect for the memory of a child who touched my soul and led me to become an organ doner. Greetings to Sally Babson, Jennifer Kuntz and to Warren Irving and to many others whose paths I have been privileged to cross by way of the internet. For copies and a list of what I have, please contact me at [email removed]. God bless all of you! Bob
    Reply
  8. Mingu Manubens says:
    November 8, 2009 at 3:00 pm
    I would like to wholeheartedly thank Bob Minder. Finally he sent me copies of the books that talk about Janis. How happy You've done me, Bob! These books are a treasure. Time has not faded them. What a pearl, unknown to me until now, the book written by Rena Ray: "Janis of de City View" ! If Janis' family and the authors would give their permission, I would like very much to offer electronic copies on .pdf format of these books. For me it's easy to make the conversion with an OCR program. Is there any possibility to do it, Sally? Of course, every page would carry a footnote with the author's name (Lawrence Elliott or Rena Ray). I also would like to get permission to translate them into Cathalan and Spanish languages. Thank you again, Bob. God bless you ! Let me repeat here your words: "It is amazing how many people in many countries Janis touched with her kindness and courage." I think she -Janis- must also be happy to see our comments here and know that, as she desired so much, we don't forget her. As Warren said: greetigs "to anyone still here or passing through !" :) Mingu Manubens
    Reply
  9. Karen says:
    October 30, 2009 at 8:42 pm
    Thanks for the update, Sally! Best wishes to your family.
    Reply
  10. Sally Babson says:
    October 23, 2009 at 9:01 am
    Hello to everyone! Janis's website will probably be launched next year. Our family has been extremely busy this year but it is a project dear to our heart that we want to make sure is done correctly. Just as a follow up to my previous email: Our family (mom, karen, stephany and I) did travel to Timmins in the spring. The condensed (modified) version of the book was being distributed throughout Northern Ontario schools and libraries to help generate interest and support of organ donation at an earlier age. (Look at how many of you were affected at a young age) I'll keep you posted! Sally
    Reply
  11. Susan says:
    October 8, 2009 at 9:06 pm
    Go to any college library. they have old copied of REaders digest and you will find this story. I found this same story there in a library.
    Reply
  12. David says:
    September 2, 2009 at 1:26 am
    I was 13 when we moved from Connecticut to Colorado, then 5 years later when I graduated from high school we made a return visit to see relatives and friends, some of whom were also graduating from high school. On the flight that June 1963 I read a short story in a Reader's Digest that moved me like few stories have. The only thing I remembered that I could Google was the title of the book that it was based on. So I tried "A Little Girl's Gift" and found this site. I was amazed that so many others also had been moved, and so many were children when they read it. As was mentioned previously, there are at least 118 copies in various libraries around the world that have the book as shown by www.worldcat.org/oclc/[phone number removed] and you should be able to obtain one through an interlibrary loan at your own library. I will be anxiously waiting for the reprint and the aforementioned website. How many times I have seen children show more courage and compassion than adults!
    Reply
  13. Warren Irving says:
    July 31, 2009 at 8:18 pm
    ps: I had nothing to do with that ad that pops up under "domain name" in my last post......... don't know how that got there ??? Hello to anyone still here or passing through !
    Reply
  14. Warren Irving says:
    June 22, 2009 at 2:35 pm
    Hi Mingu, Your English is just fine ! I am looking into registering a domain name, and starting a website myself if nothing else happens here. ( evaluating services and terms/prices at the moment ) For anyone that plans to visit, I have a map of the cemetery with the location marked on it that I can email - will save you spending time in the main office trying to locate the grave site. Warren
    Reply
  15. Bob Minder says:
    June 17, 2009 at 12:42 pm
    Hello Mingu I know I had trouble trying to scan the books for you, but I can mail them to you and let you scan them. If you email me and send me your address, I can copy both books and provide you the color pictures of Janis and Rudy Babson's graves that Warren was so gracious in taking and providing a copy to me. Thank you too Warren to sending a copy to Susan Hester, another wonderful person who remembers and wants to keep Janis' memory alive. Lidanne, Sally Babsona and her sister Stephany have websites for the companies they work for. You can do an internet search to find them. Perhaps you can send Sally an email and she will respond. I am now busy copying the books for Orazio deLuca in Italy, my first every to his country. Lidiane was the first person in Brazil. All the world remembers Janis Babson. If someone wants to contact me, [email removed]. Thanks to all who visit here. Bob Minder
    Reply
  16. Mingu Manubens says:
    June 14, 2009 at 3:40 am
    We are still here, Warren :) As many other people, I think, we come here often to look for news about Janis. Our hope is to find someday that anyone (Sally Babson, perhaps?) tell us something as: "congratulations ! As I announced on March, already, you can visit the new site www.***********.com and thera you can find -at last- the full version of Janis books and other nice notices from the family" My english -I always repeat it- is poor, but I'm able to traduce correctly from english to spanish and catalan languages. I will be pleased to do this job for you, Sally, if you would like to prepare the spanish and catalan versions of the site. Waiting.. Mingu
    Reply
  17. Lidiane Noé says:
    May 26, 2009 at 10:51 pm
    Plaese, somebody has the Sally babson Email adress??
    Reply
  18. Warren Irving says:
    May 22, 2009 at 10:30 am
    I was able to buy an original "Janis Of City View" including a very good dust jacket ( with the picture on it of Janis that the newspapers were using ).... ( $6.95 usd + shipping ) just shows that they ( the books ) are still available if you hunt. ( anyone still come here ? )
    Reply
  19. Warren Irving says:
    May 11, 2009 at 2:26 pm
    I went to pay my respects to Janis at "Notre-Dame" Cemetary today ( I live in Ottawa ), and took some pictures of the Headstone and Footstone ( which I will pass on to Bob to pass on if he checks his mail ).. the headstone has been added on to ( 5 lines ), from the '67 picture, to reflect the parents, and is showing the signs of weathering, but is still very nicely done. The grounds are extremely well kept. ( I also dropped in to the main office and have a map of her location - they have the original records scanned into PDF format, and once they have a year and month, its a page by page search, it's a huge cemetary)
    Reply
  20. Warren Irving says:
    May 8, 2009 at 2:35 pm
    Hi all, Many thanks to Bob and his efforts, ( and all here who read and post ) I know what work he has put into his project, as my package arrived this morning. Having said that, I look forward to an evening of good reading, and remembering a little girl who did so much, so young. thanks again Bob ! Warren
    Reply
  21. Ron Oviatt says:
    April 25, 2009 at 3:43 pm
    Found three hard back copies of A Little Girl's Gift on Amazon.com books today, April 25, 2009. Two for $75.00 and one for $99.00. If I recall correctly the publisher sold the book in 1963 for $2.95. That is some value appreciation.
    Reply
  22. Mingu Manubens says:
    April 23, 2009 at 5:55 pm
    Thank You, Bob. Thanks to all who participate in this "meeting point" (what a special place..!) When it will be a reality the website you announced, Sally? Catalonia -Spain- (my country) is too far and Bob can't send to me the copies as the others. The website it would be the better way and.. it seems that now, at last, the things begin to run. You end saying, Bob: "for that keeps Janis's gift alive." I would say even more: Janis wanted to donate her eyes to someone who might need, and she did it. But at the same time she got something incomparably better: she gave to us all her manner to see !
    Reply
  23. Bob Minder says:
    April 19, 2009 at 11:48 pm
    Yes Karen, it is excellent news. I sent emails with attachments of the Ottawa Citizen article on the relaunch of The Triumph of Janis Babson to all of the wonderful people I have copies one or both of the books for. Many of them have posts on this site. In fact, Robin, Warren and Lidiane above have all requested various items I can copy for them. As I write this, I am making four copies of Janis of City View. One of the receipients will be "Ricky" Lewis. the Little Leaguer whom Janis had a crush on. He told me in an email he has never forgotten Janis's courage. So now I am providing copies to five different individuals. It is always inspiring to me that so many people remember Janis and want to read about her again, some from sources they have not read or not read for some time. And so the little girl with a heart ten times her size, continues to touch many. All from a child who feared she might be forgotten. Anyone who read the Canadian newspaper articles knows Janis had nothing to fear. Not even 48 years later. I hope that people will continue to read about Janis. This keeps her memory alive. I hope people continue to sign up to donate their organs, for that keeps Janis's gift alive. Bob
    Reply
  24. Karen says:
    April 19, 2009 at 10:06 pm
    According to Canadian newspapers, it appears that "The Triumph of Janis Babson" is going into reprint soon. I coincidentally 'googled' Janis Babson yesterday and this info came up. There was also a picture of Janis' sister--must be her youngest sister who wasn't born yet when Janis died, as her name was Stephany. Wonderful to read that her story will again receive attention from a new generation!
    Reply
  25. Warren Irving says:
    April 17, 2009 at 9:36 am
    Hi Bob, Your info was appreciated, and I would really appreciate copies - how do we go about this ? Look forward to hearing from you. thank you ! warrenirving@(removethis)hotmail.com
    Reply
  26. Lidiane Noé says:
    April 7, 2009 at 11:00 pm
    Please my e maill is:[email removed]
    Reply
  27. Lidiane Noé says:
    April 7, 2009 at 10:49 pm
    Please Bob, would You send me a copy of "A litlle Girl's Gift's and all infomation and some picture about Janis Babson. Thank you so much
    Reply
  28. Bob Minder says:
    April 2, 2009 at 7:01 pm
    I thought those who are so inspired by Janis Babson might want to know some of the information I have found through extensive internet searches. First, Janis' father, Harry Rudolf "Rudy" Babson died in January, 1975 in Ottawa at a very early age of 52. He spend 28 years in the RCMP and retired from the Mounties in 1970. As far as I know, Rita Babson is still living and is likely in her 80's now. Second, St Nicholas Separate School, where Janis attended school was first opened in 1953. The school closed in 1990 and the students were transferred to nearby St Gregory. A current map of Ottawa shows the site at the end of Cote de Neiges Road as St Nicholas Park. It is good to hear from Sally Babson. When Janis' short life ended, Sally was the youngest Babson child. A picture that appears in "Janis of City View" at Christmas 1961 (first without Janis) shows just how young Sally was at the time. I had heard that there was at least one other child born to Rudy and Rita Babson after Janis passed on, but again, I have been unable to verify that. I am thrilled the family is still active in organ donation. Many of us here have signed up to donate our organs and all of this helps keep Janis's memory alive. I think everyone here has commented on the little girl who feared she would be forgotten, never dreaming two books and nearly 50 years later, many still think about her and come here to comment. A measure of the ultimate value of any life is not just how long it lasts, but how long it is remembered. Using that criteria, Janis is still very much alive in 2009. I look forward to the website. In the interim, I will still provide copies of both books to whomever wants them. Bob
    Reply
  29. Robin says:
    March 29, 2009 at 12:28 pm
    This is Robin from the previous post. My contact information is [email removed] Thank you again.
    Reply
  30. Robin says:
    March 29, 2009 at 12:25 pm
    This has been a remarkable exchange to read. I am working on a book about a child diagnosed with leukemia back in the 1940s. I would be interested in hearing anyone's personal experience with a loved one diagnosed with leukemia in that era. I am particularly interested in novel/experimental treatments, fund raising efforts, what was shared about the event. Thanks for the time! Robin
    Reply
  31. Karen says:
    March 23, 2009 at 10:03 pm
    Dear Sally (Small Fry, right? :)) It's wonderful to hear from you and I am so happy you are creating a website in Janis' honor! I check back to this page periodically, so please keep us informed as to when to expect it! I consider A Little Girl's Gift the best book I have ever read. Thank you to your family and Lawrence Elliott. Karen
    Reply
  32. Sally Babson says:
    March 9, 2009 at 10:02 am
    To everyone who has been moved or inspired by Janis, thank you for your words! One of Janis's worst fears was to be forgotten. How happy she would be to see how she has touched the lives of so many. It is hoped that later this year we will have a website in honour of Janis. We had received approval of both the Holy Cross Press and Lawrence Elliott (writer of the Reader's Digest story and the Triumph of Janis Babson)to post both stories on line so that her story would be available to everyone. Our family will be travelling to northern Ontario next month to help launch a campaign for organ donation in conjunction with the CNIB and others. We are so proud and so honoured to have had a sister that is still (47 years later)making a difference in some people's lives. If you haven't already done so, for Janis, fill out your organ donation cards. You too someday could make the difference in someone's life. Sally Babson Ottawa, Ontario Canada
    Reply
  33. Dawn Anderson says:
    March 7, 2009 at 12:59 am
    I am looking to buy the book A Little Girl's Gift. I first read the story in 4th grade back in the 1960's . I continued checking it out an additional five more times over the next 3 years and rereading it. I would love to own this book that so much touched my heart and soul as a 10 year old. I have been looking at libraries and book stores for it during the past 20 years and haven't been able to find it. Is there anyone out there who would be willing to give it up???????
    Reply
  34. Bob Minder says:
    March 4, 2009 at 1:02 pm
    I am willing to provide copies to anyone who requests them, the following: Janis of City View by Rena Ray, 1962 The Triumph of Janis Babson, Readers's Digest, June 1963 A Little Girl's Gift by Lawrence Elliott, 1963 Pages from Custody of The Eyes by Caroline Langill Syndicated newspaper article on Janis' story, June 1961 And finally,a picture of Janis's grave in Notre Dame Cemetary, Ottawa, courtest of Rebecca Stocking who graciously provide it to me to share with all of you. My computer plus the size of the files makes it difficult to email all of this to those who request it, but I would be happy to mail copies to anyone. My email is [email removed]. Amazing, the little girl who feared she would be forgotten, still remembered by so many after nearly 50 years. Bob
    Reply
    • Pam Kuczora says:
      April 29, 2012 at 10:22 pm
      I remembered reading Janis’ story in Readers Digest when I was young. From what this website states, this must have been in 1963 when I was 10. It was one of the most influential stories I had ever read and it made such an impact on me I remember reading it and crying and taking the Readers Digest to school to share with my teacher and classmates. I am not sure why Janis’ name came to mind this evening – I really didn’t think I would find anything -- but I googled her name and found this website. It is interesting to see so many others who read her story when they were young and how it influenced them. I am just in awe of how probably Janis’ story made such an impact on me – probably planted the seeds of the Catholic faith in me as a child and influenced me all of my life – I always say that God is an awesome God and nothing is happenstance. We are all organ donors by the way! I was so moved when our kids checked the organ donor box when they got their first drivers licenses!!! I never told them to do that!!! Is your offer still open to send the copies of the books and articles you listed? I know this was quite some time ago I would be MOST happy to send your a check to cover your copying costs. Or if you can scan them and send them to me by email that would be so appreciated! Or should I just buy the book that is now on Amazon (the Lawrence Elliot book)? God bless you! Pam Kuczora Marion, Indiana USA
      Reply
  35. Gail Berenson says:
    February 6, 2009 at 5:24 am
    I just reread the Readder's Digest version of her story for the first time in many years. I was 10 when it was printed and it impressed me profoundly, probably beacuase I was about her age.
    Reply
  36. Susan P. says:
    January 8, 2009 at 3:06 pm
    I received this book as a Christmas gift when I was 12. I am now a librarian in a junior high and would love to have copies of this book for my students. I agree with Marilyn R. and someone should re-publish this. Sadly, I have lost my copy in several moves.
    Reply
  37. Marilyn R. says:
    January 5, 2009 at 2:09 pm
    It's amazing how many people read this book in the early 60's, and still remember it! I was 12 when I read it, and have never forgotten it. Her courage, faith, and uplifting spirit had a profound impact on me. Over the years, I've looked in my library system, book stores, and on ebay, and never found it. Today, while searching yet again, I came across this site. I also found that the book is in several libraries across the U.S. Go to www.worldcat.org/oclc/[phone number removed] to see if it's in a library near you. Unfortunately, it's not in any library near me, so I will keep looking. Does anyone know if it would be possible to get this book re-published, and how that works? Looks like it would be a big seller again! (and there wouldn't be people out there trying to sell ONE book for $103!!!)
    Reply
  38. Jane M. Crook says:
    January 1, 2009 at 6:25 pm
    My sixth grade teacher read "The Triumph of Janis Babson" to my class. At the end of the story, all the students applauded spontaneously. I had to put my head on my arms at my desk to try to control my tears. I have never forgotten her story. I spent nine months on a pediatric cancer ward in the early 1970's. We didn't save too many children back then, either. It is womderful to know how many were touched by her story and that 40 years later, she is not forgotten.
    Reply
  39. Karen says:
    November 29, 2008 at 11:51 am
    Hi, Trish: I noticed today that there appears to be a quite expensive copy ($103 before shipping) of A Little Girl's Gift on abe books.com. k.
    Reply
  40. trish says:
    November 15, 2008 at 11:23 pm
    We were family friends of the Elliots -- the author of the narrative "A Little Girls Gift." I have a picture of me as a toddler holding the book. Later, when I was old enough to read, the book inspired me to check that organ donor box when I was old enough to get my license. And now, I am at a age where I would like to share that book with a friend who recently lost a daughter to cancer, but I no longer have it. If anybody comes across any version of it, please let me know.
    Reply
  41. Diane says:
    November 6, 2008 at 9:29 am
    I thought I was the only one who read this story as a child and was moved by it! I was 11 and had just lost a neighborhood friend to leukemia when I came across this story...and it has stuck with me all this time...amazing how we are moved, no?
    Reply
  42. judy says:
    September 29, 2008 at 7:09 pm
    i too read the story in 1963. i presented a book report in English class (junior year) and remember trying not to cry as i did the report. usually in class, the kids would cut up and giggle. no one did during this report. was a highlight of my year and affected me deeply.
    Reply
  43. Cecilia Organ says:
    September 25, 2008 at 8:54 am
    Janis's Uncle just presented our organization with this story. He is looking for help in having her story and name commemorated in the town of Sydney Mines as her Mother was born here and lived on Guy Street.I think his idea is a lovely one and hope that he accomplishes this goal. The story of Janis is the most touching story I have read in a long time. This story is not only one of courage but of unshakeable faith which is very inspiring. Cheers, Cecilia
    Reply
  44. Karen says:
    August 30, 2008 at 1:24 pm
    I was blessed earlier this week to find a used copy of A Little Girl's Gift on-line and purchased it. I reread it again today and was again deeply touched by her story. It is impossible to read without tearing up! The story and the sensitive telling of it by Lawrence Elliott is precious and profound today as it was in 1963. I hope those looking for this book will find a copy as well. They are still to be found!
    Reply
  45. Mingu Manubens says:
    August 19, 2008 at 6:10 pm
    Hello to you all. I write from Catalonia, Spain. I also read the Reader's Digest (spanish version) story of Janis about 1963. I kept the story and the Janis face photograph (in black and white) that came with the Reader's Digest story. The story affected me and I remember it. I composed a prayer to Janis that I prayed it all the nights when it was the hour to go to sleep. Sometimes I have searched information in the internet about Janis (is it so that I found this page). I've been waiting for months, thinking that, at last, there would be someone who could make a blog or a page with the Janis story and other information, but unfortunatly it don't happens. If someone of you (perhaps Bob Minder, or Jennifer Kuntz, or..)can send me a copy of the story, and the photographs to my e-mail ( [email removed] ) I would be pleased to make the site. I know how to do it, and I would try to make it nice. Thanks to you all. Mingu
    Reply
  46. Jan Nelson says:
    August 17, 2008 at 10:38 pm
    I read A Little Girl's Gift in 1963 when I was 12 years old. I was so inspired by Janis' story that I kept the book and shared it with my daughter Jennifer. Jennifer was also touched by Janis' story. Unfortunately, our book is lost but we continue to search for it so that we can share it with my 10 year old granddaughter. Ironically, I am a Comptroller for a midwest eye bank. I think of Janis and her story often.
    Reply
  47. Anne Macek says:
    July 19, 2008 at 11:22 pm
    Hello All: My tattered copy of The Triumph of Janis Babson has moved with me every place I've lived since I read it in 1963. I finally bought the June 1963 Reader's Digest from eBay to have a less fragile copy. I was two years younger than Janis and like everyone here am so moved by Janis and her story. I became a pediatrician after being inspired by Janis. There was just something about her.
    Reply
  48. Bonnie says:
    July 3, 2008 at 9:06 am
    I have just read the story of Janis Babson for the first time yesterday. We found a copy of the Reader's Digest that the story was found in while cleaning out my mom's house. I was in tears by the time I'd finished the story. What a great little girl she was! And still touching and influencing people after all these years. God's richest blessings to her family and all you readers out there.
    Reply
  49. Karen says:
    June 9, 2008 at 8:52 pm
    I too, treasured the story of Janis Babson. I read her story in June 1963 and many, many times after that. I was 10 years old at the time. I saved the pages in the Reader's Digest and still have them in a special box. Right now (6/9/08) there is an expensive ($99) copy of A Little Girl's Gift on Amazon used books. I read this book years ago from our local library, but the book is no longer there. I am looking for a copy of Janis of City View as others are. If I can't find it I may ask Bob to send me a copy as he has graciously offered above. I wish all of the above posters well, including Jennifer, Janis' niece. Karen
    Reply
  50. Karen says:
    June 9, 2008 at 8:50 pm
    I too, treasured the story of Janis Babson. I read her story in June 1963 and many, many times after that. I was 10 years old at the time. I saved the pages in the Reader's Digest and still have them in a special box. Right now (6/9/08) there is an expensive ($99) copy of A Little Girl's Gift on Amazon used books. I read this book years ago from our local library, but the book is no longer there. I am looking for a copy of Janis of City View as others are. If I can't find it I may ask Bob to send me a copy as he has graciously offered above. I wish all of the above posters well, including Jennifer, Janis' niece. Karen
    Reply
  51. Bob Minder says:
    May 29, 2008 at 12:14 pm
    I have obtained a copy of a newspaper article from an Alberta newspaper on Janis Babson. When Tim Burke wrote "Little Janis" in the Ottawa Journal in May, 1961, his story was picked up by the Canadian wire services. This article is a wire service copy picked up by another Canadian newspaper from the Burke article. I would be happy to provide a copy to anyone requesting it. Thanks to Rebecca Stocking, in exchange for photo copies of Janis of City View and The Triumph of Janis Babson, provided me a copy of Janis's grave in Notre Dame Cemetary in Ottawa. She visited the gravesite in 1967 as a young girl and took the photo. Rebecca has given me permission to make copies of the grave and supply them to interested readers here. If you want either the newspaper article or picture of Janis Babson's final resting place, my email address is [email removed]. I also can photo copy Janis of City View, The Triumph of Janis Babson or A Little Girl's Gift and mail them to you. Since Janis often worried in her short life about being forgotten, she must surely be amazed in Heaven to see so many people posting here as well as many others, who no only remember, but have never forgotten her or the profound story of her short, yet inspirational life. Bob Minder
    Reply
  52. Nance says:
    March 30, 2008 at 8:18 pm
    I am so surprised to see postings by so many others who were also touched by Janis' story. A while back, I searched for info about her story, but couldn't find anything. Is there a way we could ask Reader's Digest to publish the story again? I, too, would love to read the books for the entire story.
    Reply
  53. Jennifer Kuntz says:
    March 21, 2008 at 1:45 pm
    Hello everyone. Funny enough... Janis Babson was my aunt. My mother was Janis's older sister. I too, believe it or not am looking for a copy of the book, "Janis of City View," as well as a copy of the Reader's Digest, for us to have. Over the years the only copy we had in my immediate family has been passed around. And if it does still exist, we are unsure of where it is. My grandmother, yes she is still living and doing well, still has a copy, but it is old, and the only one that we are aware of. I would settle for a photocopy, but I really would like to have acutal copies. You can reach me at [email removed]. Thank you for your kind words. I never met her, but Janis is still spoken of often. I think she touched a lot of people's lives, and wasn't really expecting too.
    Reply
  54. Bob Minder says:
    February 27, 2008 at 6:34 pm
    I have a copy of both books published about Janis Babson. Janis of City View was published in 1962 and A Little Girl's Gift in 1963. I also have the June 1963 Reader's Digest featuring The Triumph of Janis Babson. I would be happy to copy any or all of them and mail them to anyone interested for the cost of paper and postage. My email address is [email removed] Bob
    Reply
  55. Bob Minder says:
    February 27, 2008 at 6:31 pm
    I have a copy of both books published about Janis Babson. Janis of City View was published in 1962 and A Little Girl's Gift in 1963. I also have the June 1963 Reader's Digest featuring The Triumph of Janis Babson. I would be happy to copy any or all of them and mail them to anyone interested for the cost of paper and postage. My email address is [email removed] Bob
    Reply
  56. L D Price says:
    January 25, 2008 at 11:31 am
    I read The Triumph Of Janis Babson when I was 10 and have never forgotten the story. Someone mentioned that the Digest that month had zebras on the cover. I remember that. I kept that copy of the Digest for years, rereading Janis' story. That little girl touched so many lives. I would sure like to read it again.
    Reply
  57. Moira Cowie says:
    January 21, 2008 at 6:02 am
    I was chatting with a friend today about the Reader's Digest, and how as children we always used to turn to "Laughter - the Best Medicine", "Humour in Uniform", and so on, and I said that of all the articles I ever read in the magazine the one that had stuck in my mind for so many years was "The Triumph of Janis Babson". I would love to read the unabridged version of the book, and would be so grateful to have the photocopy so kindly offered by Ms Eileen Pollock last year. If you could let me know about the postage, I shall send it in advance. (I live in Manchester, UK). How wonderful to think that that little girl has influenced the lives of so many people!
    Reply
  58. S.K. Kurtz says:
    August 1, 2007 at 8:50 pm
    I read the story of Janis Babson at my Grandmother's house when I was about 12. I too would like a copy of this article as I have never forgotten it. Please email to me. Thank you.
    Reply
  59. veromia says:
    April 21, 2007 at 1:21 am
    hi! i don't know but for some reson, like you guys...i have never forgotten the story of janis babson. when my daddy was still alive, he was an avid fan of reader's digest and i often read them too. i was 8 as far (as i can remember) when i read the story and now, i am 26 and i still can remember the images- the words " small frye ". i hope someone can be so kind to email me the story. I am truly inspired by it. Here's my email add- [email removed]. Thanks a lot and have a blessed day!
    Reply
  60. Marianela Pedrero says:
    April 12, 2007 at 5:39 pm
    Hola, soy chilena, tengo 3O años, pero cuando tenía como 12 llegó a mis manos la historia de Janis Babson, ya que la leí en el Readers Digest, que llegó a mis manos y la historia me impactó mucho ( influenciando mi adolescencia y juventud), motivándome a los 18 años a donar mis órganos. Sin embargo perdí el reportaje y me gustaría tenerlo. No sé cómo acceder a él. Además en esta página me he enterado , que existe un libro y no sé cómo obtenerle (tampoco sé si está en español). Me gustaría que me orientarán al respecto. Desde ya muchas gracias, Marianela.
    Reply
  61. Mary Anne Prashina says:
    March 20, 2007 at 11:26 pm
    I have never forgotten the story of Janis Babson. I was 8 yrs. old when I read it and have thought about her many times throughout my life. Thank you for letting us know what issue of Reader's Digest her story was in. Now all I need to track down is a story in RD from the same year (???) about two boys badly burned. I do not remember the name of the article nor the event they lived through. Mary Anne Prashina
    Reply
  62. Robert B Grubh says:
    February 21, 2007 at 9:05 am
    Dear Ms Eileen Pollock, I was a 2nd year student (B.Sc) at Scott Christian College, Nagercoil in southern India in 1963 when I read 'The triumph of Janis Babson' of the Reader's Digest. So short a story, yet it took many tear-breaks to complete reading it. I was searching for the full original version ever since. I shall be grateful if you could kindly email me a scanned version of 'A Little Girl's Gift', as I am not sure how I could send you the cost of the postage from India. In any case I would love to communicate with you more on this matter if I can get hold of your email ID. My email ID is [email removed] I would also very like to have a copy of the Reader's Digest version, 'The Triumph of Janis Babson', which I have lost. I shall be grateful if any one can help. Robert B Grubh
    Reply
  63. Eileen Pollock says:
    February 9, 2007 at 10:34 am
    I have a personally inscribed copy of A Little Girl's Gift that Lawrence Elliott recently was kind enough to send me from his own collection. Since this book has so much meaning to so many people, I am offering to photocopy it and mail it to anyone for the price of postage. I first read it in Reader's Digest when I was 10, a bit younger than Janis would have been. I read the book the next year, and have never forgotten it. For some reason, a few years ago, I searched the Web til I found Lawrence Elliott's e-mail address. He was alive and living in Luxembourg! On a visit to Ottawa, he mailed me the book. What a treasure! It really should be republished, perhaps by a Catholic publisher. Please e-mail me if you would like to read A Little Girl's Gift. I am an older lady now, but perhaps I can give this gift of my own.
    Reply
  64. Bob Minder says:
    February 1, 2007 at 10:28 pm
    There is a hard copy of "A Little Girl's Gift" by Lawrence Elliott that is available at Amazon.com for $25.00 plus $3.49 shipping. Seller is in New Hampshire. Don't know how long this will last. So if someone is interested, I would move fast. Seen 8:45 pm, 2/1/07 on Amazon. Still available at that time. Bob Minder
    Reply
  65. cms says:
    February 1, 2007 at 4:23 pm
    I was just reminiscing with a co-worker about a story I had read in Readers Digest when I was about 11 years old. She was surprised at how much I remembered and how much it had affected me. To this day, I plan to donate my eyes to the eye bank in honor of Janis Babson. When I googled her name and found this site, I checked with my local library and found the book "A Little Girl's Gift" available. I look forward to reading it. Blessings to all of you who share my memories of this emotional story.
    Reply
  66. Leslie Erickson says:
    January 24, 2007 at 9:06 am
    I'm looking for a story about a 10 year old named Gaby, or Garielle, who had stomach cancer and ultimateley died. It would have been published in the late 50s or early 60s. Thanks - Leslie
    Reply
  67. Stacy Baggett says:
    January 16, 2007 at 1:03 pm
    I have just finished reading "A Little Girl's Gift," which I happened to come across at the local library while doing research on Leukemia for a book I am writing. Janis Babson's story is truly inspiring. I am 22 years old right now, but I will never forget "Dee-Dee." In fact, I would like to dedicate my book to the memory of her. This little girl should never be forgotten. Stacy
    Reply
  68. Bob Minder says:
    November 20, 2006 at 5:45 pm
    Judith, Janae and others who are interested. I have found another copy of the June 1963 Reader's Digest on E-Bay. This is the Zebra covered issue that contains the condensed version of "A Little Girl's Gift" called "The Triumph of Janis Babson." Unfortunately, this issue has a fixed price of $8.00 plus shipping of $3.00. I was able to obtain a copy for Debbie for far less that that. If someone is interested in obtaining this RD issue, you can go directly to E-Bay. I can also purchase it for any interested party. You can email me at [email removed] if you want to arrange for me to get the issue for you. Let me know. Also, as Ron and Debbie have offered, I would be willing to photocopy the RD article or to provide a draft I can email or mail. I would also be willing to do the same for either "A Little Girl's Gift" or "Janis of City View". The two books provide a more complete story that does the RD condensed version. I was happy to provide the RD issue for Debbie and would be happy to help anyone else here who has come to admire Janis Babson as I have. Bob
    Reply
  69. Debbie Wilper says:
    November 20, 2006 at 12:06 pm
    Janae: Robert was kind enough to get me a copy of the RD June 1963, I would be glad to photocopy it and send it to you.....my email address is above, just let me know.....
    Reply
  70. Debbie Wilper says:
    November 14, 2006 at 9:34 am
    I would like a copy of this book or the RD story that I read so many years ago but can't get any of the posted e-mails, can somebody help me by emailing me at [email removed], make sure and put something in the subject part so I will open it...thanks
    Reply
  71. Bob Minder says:
    November 10, 2006 at 2:01 pm
    Keep looking Judith. I found in the last year a bookstore in Indiana and a publishing company in New Zealand that had used copies of "A Little Girl's Gift" by Lawrence Elliott. I myself, was able to finally obtain "Janis of City View" from someone selling it through Amazon.com. I acquired the Elliott book back in the 1970's though a library sale. Plus I still have the June 1963 Reader's Digest condensed version, "The Triumph of Janis Babson". Sometimes E-Bay will have someone selling past issues of Reader's Digest as well. One might be able to obtain the June 1963 Zebra covered issue that way. I was born in July, 1950, only some 40 days before Janis was born. As such, I relate events in her life based on the same periods in my own life as a child. This story continues to inspire all who have read it. Such a sad and tragic story, yet Janis, her life, her struggles, her courage, her faith, leave you uplifted and inspired. My eyes will also give sight to someone else. I might have made this gesture anyway, but I have made this future gift because of Janis and her story. BTW, does anyone know what happened to St Nicholas Primary School. I acquired a map of Ottawa recently, and it mentions only St Nicholas Park at the end of Cote de Neiges Road. Anyway, to end a long post here, I am impired by all of you who remember Janis. She wanted to be remembered and feared she would be forgotten. Turns out Janis had nothing to worry about. Even 45 years after her untimely passing. Bob
    Reply
  72. Judith Salvage-Jones says:
    November 9, 2006 at 4:21 am
    I read the readers digest version about Janis 'with an 's' as she would gravely inform you' when I was nine and then found the book in the local library shortly later. I became obsessed with Janis' story and eventually my parents banned me from reading it and requested the library not to release it to me. Since then, 43years, I have searched high and low for the book, even the British Library, to no avail. I vowed at the age of nine that I would find a cure for leukaemia, and now at 52 am doing a PhD with the hope thatIi will ultimately keep my vow. I am so pleased to seee that a little girl with such fortitiude has becime the heroine for so many lives. God bless you Janis and may you have' a happy and peaceful journay, you have graduated with the highest honours'. May peace be with your family. Jude
    Reply
  73. Ron Oviaa says:
    September 27, 2006 at 8:22 pm
    My offer is still good.
    Reply
  74. Janae Bell says:
    September 19, 2006 at 2:34 pm
    How fun, to learn about others who had read the story of Janis Babson, when they were young, and to see the affect it had on their lives. I read the story in Readers Digest when I was 12 years old, and that was when I decided to go into nursing. I have been a Pediatric Nurse for 20 years, and have had the opportunity to take care of some pretty amazing children. They are so strong, and brave. I have been looking for at least a copy of the story for some time. I called Readers Digest, and was sad to hear that they do not have copies of that issue. (the one with the Zebras on the cover).If anyone has the issue, could I at least get a copy of the story? Thanks so much
    Reply
  75. Rich Purpura says:
    August 26, 2006 at 11:17 am
    It's very strange that I would think of this story. I was maybe 7 or 8 when my family read it to me. I vividly remember that no one could read it for long without crying! It went from my aunt to my grandmother to my cousin, and they all broke down and had to switch off to be able to finish reading it to me!! I would love to find this posted on a Website somewhere, as almost 40 years later I still remember it's power.
    Reply
  76. Lee Ann Kreig says:
    July 19, 2006 at 3:10 pm
    I am amazed and thrilled to see how many of you remember Janis Babson. I was about 10 when I read her story and it was a defining moment. It really shaped my life. I always check "organ donor" in her memory. My eyesight has been threatened through numerous retinal detachments, not something that an organ donation could help, but I thought of her throughout that period of my life, too. How precious is sight! And even with my lousy (ex-lousy) retinas, I still could give sight to others. I could go on and on. Janis has been a part of me for 40 years. How glad I am to find others who remember her, too! She was a very courageous and caring little girl, someone I've always wanted to be just like.
    Reply
  77. Susan Punzelt says:
    June 22, 2006 at 4:18 pm
    I, too, had received a copy of this book for Christmas in the 60's and had lost it when my parents passed away. It was unbelievably inspiring and I would love to have another copy of it. Any copies around?
    Reply
  78. Lynne Grady says:
    June 8, 2006 at 6:17 pm
    I just googled, "The Triumph of Janis Babson." I am so comforted to read thru everyone's entries. I read "The Triumph of Janis Babson" when I was 11 years old. One of my younger brothers was diagnosed with leukemia just about that time. I remember trying to put everything together and make sense of it all. I have been a pediatric nurse for 30 years because of this story and my brother's 16 month battle. I will NEVER forget Janis's bravery nor my little brother's.
    Reply
  79. Susan Light says:
    April 24, 2006 at 12:53 pm
    I have enjoyed reading about others that were so affected by "the triumph of Janis Babson." I thought of it recently when I was explaining to some friends why I chose to specialize in pediatric oncology. I was 11 years old when I read the story in reader's digest and it stayed with me for all those years for I started my peds onc fellowship in 1981. i would be very interested in finding a copy of the story, condensed or otherwise.
    Reply
  80. Robin MacDonald says:
    March 13, 2006 at 12:01 pm
    For Ramanathan: The uncle of Janis Babson is in the process of trying to get this book back circulating in Nova Scotian schools for a start. If you would like to contact him or find out information on her family, he would know all there is to know.
    Reply
  81. Ramanathan says:
    March 7, 2006 at 9:32 pm
    I was in my final year in school when I read this wonderful girl's truly touching story in the Readers Digest and I broke down. It has to this day a great impact on my life and I would have narrated her story to more than a 100 people over the years. To read it all over again I wrote to Readers Digest in Canada in 2003 and obtained a fax copy of Janis' life story which did not fail to bring tears in my eyes. I am surprised why no film has been made of her true life story. I wish there was away I could get in touch with her siblings, parents or close relatives.
    Reply
  82. Maria Teresinha de Moraes says:
    February 24, 2006 at 5:49 am
    I read the story of Janis Babson in the Readers Digest and I would like to obtain inoformations about the family of Janis Babson, if He lived, When. Sincerely Yours, Teresinha
    Reply
  83. Robin MacDonald says:
    February 21, 2006 at 3:46 pm
    Is is interesting to see how many people are still affected by this little girl's story, who was in fact my husbands first cousin. I have only heard of the story recently, and the uncle of this little girl is in the process of having a small sculpture of sorts made in remembrance. I do know that books are very hard to come by, and i myself read the version out of the reader's digest which her uncle still has.
    Reply
  84. Tricia Currie Hunt says:
    February 17, 2006 at 12:39 pm
    I, too, am looking for information on Janis Babson. I read the Reader's Digest condensed version back in 1963 but I want to purchase a copy of the book from which the condensation was made. It is "A Little Girl's Gift," by Lawrence Elliott. I was unable to find e-mail addresses for any of the people who had posted to this site on this subject. Is there anyone out there who can help me?
    Reply
  85. Kim says:
    June 13, 2005 at 11:28 pm
    I believe that this is the book that my sister and I have been looking for. We have been trying to remember this book/author for awhile now and would be grateful for any help in locating this book. Has anyone found it elsewhere or at their local libraries?
    Reply
  86. Connie says:
    May 22, 2005 at 10:50 pm
    I read "The Triumph Of Janis Babson" when I was about 10 years old, and never forgot it. I am so pleased that Others my age are still remembering her the way I did. I would love to read the book, if anyone knows how to find one. Thanks!
    Reply
  87. Ainsley Jo Phillips says:
    October 5, 2004 at 4:05 pm
    I've just put together a blog entry that might be helpful and/or inspirational--as well as linking others back to here. The URL contains directions for getting there. Hopefully, this will get something special going in memory of Janis. It's amazing how, over 40 years later, the kindness of a brave, little girl still lives on! Blessings! AJ :o)
    Reply
  88. Santiago says:
    September 24, 2004 at 2:20 am
    As to the story of Janis Babson and her struggle with leukaemia, I read it back there in 1963 in the Spanish edition of "Selecciones de Reader's Digest" ... I myself was 12 then. The title was "La ni�a que venci� a la muerte" (The Girl that Vanquished Death). It affected me a lot, and I have always remembered her courage and spirituality. Because of circumstances (the death of a beloved person) her story came to my mind, and I checked to find her name with Google ... and I was landed here. I wonder if I could get a copy of the original non-abridged book. I'll try. --Santiago, Spain
    Reply
  89. Michele says:
    September 5, 2004 at 5:52 am
    I too read the condensed version in Reader's Digest; actually it was first read aloud to the class by my grade 5 teacher, in Ottawa Ontario. It was titled then, "The Triumph of Janis Babson" . The Babson family had moved to Ottawa and she lived on Cotes des Neiges Road in the East end of the city, now called Vanier. Our school (Our Lady of Mount Carmel) was near the Cotes des Neiges Rd. and so Janis was quite the young heroine. She sturggled with leukemia, quite a vicious disease back in the late 50's/early 60's, as they did not have the medical advances we have today. I have looked for a copy of this since then, and never have been successful. Thanks to the wonders of the Information Highway, I'm seeing that others have joined my quest. Thanks for letting me stroll down a sweet memory lane! -- Michele
    Reply
  90. Arleen Patrick says:
    August 23, 2004 at 2:42 pm
    Hi, I am looking for a book entitled "A little girl's gift" It is about a young girl, Janis Babson, who donates her eye's to the eye bank upon her death at the tender age of ten. The story appeared as a condensed version in the June 1963 Reader's Digest. I understand the story has also been published as "Janis of City View"If any one could help me out with my search I would be most appreciative, Sincerely Arleen
    Reply
  91. Marj says:
    August 1, 2004 at 9:20 am
    Re Janis Babson I am a 53 yr. old woman who in Grade 6 read the story about Janis Babson. I was deeply affected by the story - to this day. I either bought the book or received it as a gift. It is called "Janis of City View" - a hard cover book in yellow. I read it over and over again and cried and cried and vowed I would one day donate my eyes to the eye bank. Every year, on my dirvers' license I mark off "eyes" (to be donated after my death). Interestingly, a friend of mine called Janice mentioned this story to me and I told her that I had the book "somewhere". A few weeks ago, after digging in my rafter in the garage, I uncovered a large box of books and there it was! I leafed through it quickly and read a few passages and discovered that Janis was born and baptized in Windsor, Nova Scotia - where my long time friend Peg lives! And - that the church was St. John's R.C. Church - which I wondered if it was the church that I attended 3 years ago while visiting! Well, at this moment, I am in Nova Scotia visiting and YES! it is the same church she was baptized in 54 years earlier. I found this very touching and what we've come to call as a "Godsidence" - nothing is a coincidence - it's meant to be by God. Thank you - Marj. P.S. I do remember reading the Reader's Digest version a year or two later and recall a few "fallacies" in the "condensed version".
    Reply
  92. V ~~~~rs says:
    May 12, 2004 at 8:49 pm
    I am looking for a Reader's Digest true story by Jack Olson based on his bestseller, Night of the Grizzlies. I believe it was first excerpted or condensed for Reader's Digest around 1966 or a few years earlier.
    Reply
  93. Kevin Ragosta says:
    March 12, 2004 at 12:13 pm
    The Janis Babson story profoundly influenced my life. I just received the June 1963 issue of reader's digest last night after searching for it for years... This is the issue with the "janis...story" (That is why I'm at this site today....) I would like to contact the family and share with them how their daughter/ sister influenced my life... Any suggestions on how to reach them would be appreciated. Kevin R
    Reply
  94. Ron Oviatt says:
    March 8, 2004 at 4:24 am
    Lori: I have a copy of: A Little Girl's Gift By Lawrence Elliott 1963, Holt, Rhinehart & Winston, New York email me if you still require a copy of this very moving narrative. R.Oviatt
    Reply
  95. Tori says:
    February 4, 2004 at 12:58 pm
    Hi Lori, Her name was JANIS Babson. The book's title was "A Little Girl's Gift" by Lawrence Elliott, published by Holt, Rinehart and Winston in 1963. It's Library of Congress number was 63-14491. An abridged version of Janis' story was printed in the June 1963 edition of Readers' Digest beginning on page 275; there were zebras on the cover of that issue. I tried Amazon.com, bn.com and alibris.com for you, but none of them are showing a used copy of the book. No doubt it's been out of print for a long while, but you might find a copy through your library. It was a very inspiring story - I was touched by it, too. Another thought... Janis' parents would probably be in their 70's, and her siblings in their 40's and early 50's. Maybe a website has been established in her memory, or an e-mail address to be found. Best wishes in your search!
    Reply
  96. Lori says:
    November 11, 2003 at 5:46 pm
    Looking for information or any who remembers the early 1960's story "The Triumph of Janet Babson" about a young girl with leukemia. Thank you.
    Reply
  97. Lori says:
    October 5, 2003 at 7:54 pm
    Looking for information or anyone who remembers the early 1960's Reader's Digest biography/story "The Triumph of Janet Babson" about a young girl with leukemia. Replies to "[email removed]". Thank you.
    Reply

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