Mak Writes Book to Comfort CHOC Patients

ANAHEIM, CA, UNITED STATES, October 7, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- An eighth grader from Fairmont Private Schools' Anaheim Hills campus has taken a unique approach to helping children at CHOC Children's Hospital in Orange County. Lerraina Mak, an eighth grader at the school, has written and illustrated a picture book titled "The Cat Without a Tail," which aims to bring comfort and hope to young patients undergoing long hospital stays.

Mak's book is a story about a cat named Milo who has lost his tail, and the message it conveys is that it's okay to be different. The book, which Mak taught herself to illustrate, is dedicated to children all around the world and reminds them that they are "always valued, cherished, and loved." The book's message is particularly poignant for children who are hospitalized for extended periods, as it can be a source of comfort and a reminder of their worth.

Mak's book is not Mak's first contribution to the CHOC community. For the past several years, she and her family have made monthly donations to CHOC. However, Mak felt that giving money wasn't enough. She wanted to give children something tangible to hold onto, and so she decided to create her own book.

Mak's book is now available for purchase on Amazon, with all of her proceeds going to the CHOC Foundation, which supports patients and families at the hospital. She has also launched a community book drive, aiming to place 300 copies in the hands of children at the hospital. Individuals, schools, businesses, and service groups are invited to sponsor copies for the drive.

Mak's book is not just a story for children. It is also a testament to her own journey. From author to speaker, Mak has shared her story at school assemblies, inspiring students to get involved in the book drive. She has also gifted 50 copies of "The Cat Without a Tail" to the Fairmont Anaheim Hills library, presenting them to school librarian Ms. Harmon as a thank-you to the community that supported her.

The book, which is available under the ISBN 9798170270194, is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Lerraina Mak, an eighth grade student in Orange County, California. All of the author's proceeds support the CHOC Foundation. The book is available on Amazon, and updates on the book drive are shared on Instagram at @thecatwithoutatail.

Mak's goal is to put 300 copies of the book in the hands of children at CHOC, and every sponsored copy brings her closer to her goal. There are four ways to join her: buy the book, sponsor copies for CHOC patients, invite her to speak, or share her story. Lerraina's message is for readers of every age, not only children.