Emily Bhatnagar, a 20-year-old young woman, is transforming her personal experience into an inspiring mission. Founder of the non-profit organization For Love & Buttercup, Emily is dedicated to providing comfort to children undergoing cancer treatment by donating books. The idea came to her after her father was diagnosed with cancer during her sophomore year of high school. Books became a source of strength and solace for her, and now she shares that support with young people facing the same battle.
Since the beginning of For Love & Buttercup, Emily has donated over 20,000 books to children with cancer across the country. What started as a personal project quickly grew, attracting the attention of renowned brands and figures, such as Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty, Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, and best-selling authors John Green and Julia Quinn. The impact of her work has been recognized by major media outlets, including The Washington Post, Forbes, Good Morning America, Today Show, NBC Nightly, Reader’s Digest UK, and TIME for Kids.
In recognition of her efforts, Emily was honored with the President’s Volunteer Service Award and named a Young Wonder of 2023 by CNN Heroes. Now, she aims to continue expanding For Love & Buttercup and raise new resources for donations, especially before returning to school, when time will be more limited. With the demand for new books growing, Emily hopes to garner support from more people and businesses so that For Love & Buttercup can continue to bring hope and comfort to those who need it most.
How did your experience caring for your father influence the creation of For Love & Buttercup?
It allowed me the capacity to feel greater empathy, and that too so immensely. It almost made my natural instinct, “How would I feel if I were in their shoes?”
What were the biggest challenges you faced when starting your organization?
Honestly, my social anxiety, or taking up space in a way?! I grew up so shy. I’m getting better at it, but talking to people and being like “Hi! I’m Emily. This is what I do and I would love to share more with you.” It was so incredibly hard at first to feel confident when talking about myself.
What do you consider to be the most significant impact of book donations on the children you serve?
I think the memory of a brand new book or heartwarming note that sticks with them far longer than the initial gesture. I like to think of it like in the Disney movie, Inside Out. These sweet memories may last lifelong, and may even inspire them in the future to give back. It’s just a beautiful thing all around.
How do you feel seeing your initiative gain recognition from brands and media outlets?
It’s such a dream and a privilege to inspire and make an impact. Like just imagine, out of all the amazing people in the universe a person could have resonated with, there’s someone out there who was particularly touched by something I said?! It melts my heart and leaves me in utter disbelief every time. Because behind the scenes…this is the same girl my friends are hilariously screaming at saying, “You were just on Good Morning America and you’re crying over a boy who doesn’t even know you exist?!”
Can you share a story that has touched your heart the most during your journey with For Love & Buttercup?
Just recently, I had the opportunity to go inside the NICU at a local hospital. Sometimes, I can’t even believe I’m in a position to experience such special, eye-opening moments. I’ll carry that with me lifelong.
What are your expectations for the future of For Love & Buttercup?
I hope to be able to continue inspiring others, whether that’s on a local or national level. I think the essence of humanity is connection.
What message would you like to convey to others facing similar difficulties?
I know it’s hard and feels unbearable, but trust me: there will be a day that pain won’t feel so sharp anymore. Though it may never fully go away, you’ll grow such a beautiful garden around your scars. That’s growth. Keep looking forward to that day.
How can readers help expand the mission of For Love & Buttercup?
I have an Amazon Wishlist! I am so grateful for each and every donation. For gently used books, the easiest way is to DM me on Instagram @forloveandbuttercup to coordinate delivery!
Follow Emily Bhatnagar on Instagram