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November 2, 2012 by Karen Jensen, MLS

My 1 Birthday Wish

November 2, 2012 by Karen Jensen, MLS   2 comments

Today is my birthday! I am 29. Again.

I know you are thinking, what do you want for your birthday Karen?

As you know, in addition to trying to be an awesome ya librarian, I also have a strong passion to raise awareness about a pregnancy disease that I suffered from 3 times: Hyperemesis Gravidarum, also known as HG.  No, not the book.  HG is a life threatening, soul sucking disease.  Women still die in pregnancy.  And sadly, babies die.  One of my babies died.

 
The ABCs of HG: an unconventional picture book

Earlier this year for the first ever HG Awareness Day, I combined my love of books with my goal to raise awareness of HG to create something that I called The ABCs of HG: An unconventional picture book.  Here I tell you the story of my 3 pregnancies using a traditional picture book format.  I wanted to try and let others know what it is like to fear dying, to beg to die, to consider terminating a pregnancy for medical reasons and to mourn the heartbreak of losing a baby to HG. My one birthday wish is that I could somehow find a way to get this book published so that I could donate the proceeds of each copy sold to the Hyperemesis Education and Research Foundation (the HER Foundation).  I even have an ob/gyn lined up to do a chapter(s) presenting factual information as a part of the book because awareness and education are our goals.  One day I hope my birthday wish will come true.  Until then, friends and family members can donate to either the HER Foundation or their local library instead of buying me presents (not that I expect presents). 

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Edited to add: In light of events this week, I also recommend donating to the American Red Cross to help the victims of Hurrican Sandy.

You should also know that recently on Twitter we planned my ideal birthday party.  It would take place at the Container Store (I do love to organize things) and we would play YA Lit Charades and do Karaoke with Libba Bray.  There would be cupcakes of course.  Surely Libba Bray wants to come do Karaoke with me for my birthday, right?  There has to be lightsabers and smog of course.  Those of you who were at the Austin Teen Book Festival know what I’m talking about.

For my birthday, please visit the HER Foundation and take a moment to learn more about HG.  You may help someone get the treatment that they need.  Remember, HG does not discriminate, pregnant teens can get HG too.

Filed under: HG, Hyperemesis Gravidarum

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About Karen Jensen, MLS

Karen Jensen has been a Teen Services Librarian for almost 30 years. She created TLT in 2011 and is the co-editor of The Whole Library Handbook: Teen Services with Heather Booth (ALA Editions, 2014).

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May 2016

Sunday Reflections: The Teen, Me, Genetics and HG (Hyperemesis Gravidarum World Awareness Day)

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May 2015

The Lingering Effects of Hyperemesis Gravidarum: the life taking, life altering beast

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May 2015

“It’s like Bella, without the vampires” – how a YA novel helps me explain Hyperemesis Gravidarum (#HGDay15)

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September 2014

Sunday Reflections: Why I Care About Kate Middleton's Pregnancy, reflections on HG

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December 2012

Reflections: When is a Prank More Than Just a Prank? What I learned from 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

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Comments

  1. Debra says

    November 2, 2012 at 1:35 pm

    Happy birthday, Karen!

  2. Teen Librarian's Toolbox, Karen says

    November 2, 2012 at 1:39 pm

    Thank you Debra!

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