News Articles & Publications
Play Warriors helps kids through life's obstacles
By: Wayne Rivet, The Bridgton News (Sept., 2019)
When a child experiences illness, trauma, loss or difficult situations, he or she might need someone they feel comfortable with or has a way to help ease a tense or emotional situation. As a Child Life specialist, Kimberly Leighton helps youngsters “play through life’s obstacles.”
Writing, A way to cope - Healthy outlet to grieve a deep loss
By: Wayne Rivet, The Bridgton News (Jan., 2021)
Payton Baumgardner misses her dad. “Dada went to his favorite place in the sky and became a star. He is the star right next to the moon,” Payton wrote in her book, Bye Bye Dada. “I try to see him every night. Sometimes, there are no stars and I feel sad.”
Business Spotlight: Play Warriors, Inc.
By: Ed Pierce, The Windham Eagle (October, 2024)
Play Warriors, Inc. in Windham helps transform those experiences into supportive, calming and nurturing situations by providing age-appropriate preparation, therapeutic play interventions, and coping strategies with opportunities for self-expression and connection.
Play Warriors Authors
Juvenile Epilepsy Warrior
By: Weston Quinn
Compiled by: Kimberly Leighton, MS, CCLS, Play Warriors
Weston is nine years old and lives in Raymond, Maine with his Mom, Dad, sister, dog, and two bunnies. He loves spending time with his family and friends and is very athletic. When Weston was seven years old, he had his first seizure. After many tests and procedures, he was diagnosed with juvenile epilepsy. In this book, Weston shares his first-hand experiences and encourages other kids to continue to be themselves and not to give up.
I am a Pompe Warrior
By: McKenzie Barker
Compiled by: Kimberly Leighton, MS, CCLS, Play Warriors
McKenzie Barker is a silly, spunky, sweet 8 year old girl who lives in Maine. At 6 weeks old she was diagnosed with a very rare genetic condition called infantile onset Pompe disease (IOPD), a terminal neuromuscular and lysosomal storage disorder.
Roxy's Life with Ophthalmic Brainstem Glioma
By: Roxanne Lugar
Compiled by: Kimberly Leighton, MS, CCLS, Play Warriors
Hi, My name is Roxanne. I am 8 years old and I am legally blind. I have been diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1, optic glioma and glioma of my brain stem.
I have been a Patient of Dr. Stanley Chaleff at Maine Children’s Cancer Program and Dr. Heidary from Boston Children’s Hospital Neuro-Ophthalmology since I was about 2 years old.
I have been living with my Foster family since 2022 and hope to be adopted soon by my foster parents Michelle and Peter Delvecchio.
I love God. My favorite singer is Dolly Parton.
Braden's Life
By: Braden Hutchinson
Compiled by: Kimberly Leighton, MS, CCLS, Play Warriors
Braden is 6 years old. He was diagnosed with B-CellALL in 2019, at the young age of two. Braden has battled and beat cancer in his short time on this earth. He is a walking example of courage, bravery, and a heart of gold. With the heart of the warrior, he truly is, he continues to overcome the longlasting effects of his treatment. This book was organized and scribed by Kimberly Leighton, MS, CCLS at Play Warriors, Inc. in Bridgton, Maine.
Bye, Bye, Dada
By: Payton Baumgardner
Compiled by: Kimberly Leighton, MS, CCLS, Play Warriors
Payton Baumgardner is a five-year-old wild child. She is kindhearted, imaginative, and free willed. She lives in Harrison, Maine with her brother, Kirby (another Books That Heal Author), and her mom, Alexa. Her passions are playing with her friends, taking care of animals, and making everyone around her smile. Payton wrote this book to share her experience about the loss of her father in hopes she can help other kiddos that may have gone through the same situation.
The Magic Balloon
By: Kirby Vaughn
Compiled by: Kimberly Leighton, MS, CCLS, Play Warriors
A heart-warming and honest book about the love between a step-father and his son, Kirby. Kirby recounts his experiences before and after the loss of his step-father. A wonderful book to inspire children to share their feelings about the loss of someone special in their life.Kirby was born November 13, 2008 in Bridgton, Maine. He currently lives in Harrison, Maine with his mom and sister and two mini dachshunds, Qubert and Pikachu. Kirby is a natural athlete and plays football, basketball, and baseball for the local rec program. He is also the best big brother ever.