Atlanta Author Highlights Humanity, Encourages Children to Help Others in Debut Children's Book

Our global neighbors are closer than they used to be. From the world coming together to celebrate the nuptials of the Royal Couple to the crises that has happened in Libya, China and, Haiti, just to name a few. The release of Author and Humanitarian, Linda Cox debut children's book, They Had to Runhttp://www.theyhadtorun.com, is timely. The book is based on the lives of two Rwandan children who escaped the conflict that led to the eventual genocide in Rwanda. You can meet the author at Market Rwanda, a '˜shop for a cause' experience on May 7th at All Souls Fellowship at 647 East College Avenue Decatur, GA 30030 from 11am '" 2pm. "The book is a great way to introduce the value of philanthropy and humanity to our children as the world searches for ways to help our global neighbors and demonstrate to our youth, the responsibility we have to serve our neighbors," says Cox.

They Had To Run is based on the real life story of the author's friends, Simon and Kedress, who now live in Rwanda and have helped hundreds of orphans and refugees create productive lives for nearly 20 years. "It's been a miracle providing all the resources '" materially, spiritually, physically and mentally to achieve this," shares Cox. All proceeds from the purchase of They Had to Run go towards the construction of The Good Shepherd Community Hospital for Children in Kigali, Rwanda, part of the mission of One Hundred Days, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit. One Hundred Days was founded by Scott Sasser, MD at the request of Simon and Kedress and is made up of friends dedicated to helping friends. Its organizational base is in Atlanta, Georgia.

The mission of One Hundred Days is to help build restoration In Rwanda. It is through the compelling story of two frightened children running from war'"Simon and Kedress'"and then returning as strong leaders that Linda, her family and friends hope to introduce many to this very important task of building a hospital for children.

"The need is great" explains Cox, "In Rwanda there are over 1,200,000 children who have lost one or both parents as a result of conflict, poverty or HIV/AIDS. Rwanda has one of the worst child mortality rates in all of Africa '" one in ten children die before their fifth birthday, often from illnesses that are preventable or treatable with simple vaccinations, better nutrition or proper antibiotics." When completed, The Good Shepherd Hospital will be a two-building structure providing services and programs such as:

Basic emergency care

Routine pediatric care, immunizations, maternal-child health, and urgent care.

Laboratory and pharmacy services

Limited inpatient services and transportation/ referral of those needing more extensive care

Training for local doctors, nurses and health care providers

Community outreach and education programs focused on topics such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, first aid, maternal care and nutrition

Opportunities for visiting doctors and nurses to serve and teach.

Dr. Scott Sasser, One Hundred Days founder and president says, "The health care system is one of the many victims of the genocide." According to the World Health Organization, there are only about 400 doctors in the entire country who serve a population of over eight million people. Hospitals are often overcrowded with overworked staff and outdated equipment. Currently, there is no facility dedicated to serving children in the entire country

Other Information:

About Linda Cox

In 1981, Linda Cox moved to Kenya with her husband and three children. It was there that she met Simon and Kedress Nziramakenga'" Rwandan refugees. A friendship was formed that has spanned three decades. When genocide devastated Rwanda, Linda and her husband, Jim, went to Rwanda to visit their friends.

Simon's dream for holistic restoration captured Jim and Linda. With their family, they are committed to seeing his dream materialize. This book is one effort and tells the story of the Nziramakenga' s perilous childhood. When you purchase this book, you help build and operate the only pediatric hospital in Rwanda. You can learn more about They Had to Run at http://www.theyhadtorun.com.