Glen Rock Students Donate Books In Memory Of Late 2-Year-Old

GLEN ROCK, NJ — The Castaneda family and local students from Richard F. Byrd Elementary School donated 330 books in memory of a 2-year-old borough girl.

Vivian Grace Castaneda was born in October of 2012. In February 2015, she was diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis. She was treated at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center.. She died in April 2015.

“In honor of Vivian’s love, we would like to commemorate her by continuing the act of giving love to all the children who maybe going through the same difficult times as she did,” said Mary Grace Castaneda, Vivian's mother. “The joy, happiness, and warmth that these children experience when receiving small gifts is priceless in itself. May these books bring smiles and happiness to each child. And, in this way, Vivian’s love can continue to spread to the hearts of all children.”

Castaneda's family, Byrd School students, and Simon & Schuster Publishing donated the books in her memory May 3.

“The Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital is grateful for the continued support of the Castaneda family,” said Theresa Valentino, director of Development at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. “Vivian’s school, Simon and Schuster and the Castaneda family have provided books for all ages and interests and will continue to be there for patients and families going through tough situations.”

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Photo: Kelly Suarez, Vivian Castaneda's aunt, Maddison and Charlotte Suarez, Vivian’s cousins, Mary Zetelski, licensed clinical social worker, Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, Mary Grace Castaneda, Castaneda's mother, Emily Castaneda, Castaneda's sister, Kelvin Castaneda, Castaneda's father, Corey Castaneda, Castaneda's brother, and Theresa Valentino, director of Development, Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center. (Courtesy of Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center)