From its founding, Lowenstein Sandler has been committed to serving communities in need, both throughout the country and sometimes in our lawyers’ own backyards. Kevin O. Grange, Managing Partner of the firm’s Utah office, has accomplished both: by assisting one of his neighbors in Davis County, he has facilitated the publication of a book that helps children across the U.S. understand cancer, while at the same time raising funds to support the University of Utah’s Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Kevin has known his neighbor Vikki Carrel, a language therapist, business owner, and published author, since 2012; in addition to living down the street, he had once advised her on a legal issue concerning one of her books. He also knew that Vikki was a two-time cancer survivor. When Vikki had questions about her latest work, an age-appropriate guide for kids with a loved one or friend diagnosed with cancer, Kevin immediately agreed.
“Kids often have so many questions they may be afraid to ask,” says Vikki. “’Will my mother’s hair grow back?’ ‘Is there a cure?’ ‘Is it my fault?’ I wanted kids like my grandchildren to have a way to learn and process their feelings about what can be a scary and confusing issue.” Filled with colorful, cheerful graphics, interactive activities, and easy-to-understand language, Vikki’s book lays out facts about the disease and its treatment, with helpful hints on how to help and what to say during what is often a scary and difficult time.
In addition to her own experiences, Vikki relied upon the input of her own medical team at Huntsman, as well as her daughter-in-law, an infusion nurse, to ensure that the content of her book was accurate and appropriate for children. She also relied on Kevin to ensure that all copyright and ownership issues with her book were in order. “Kevin’s advice was invaluable,” Vikki says. “He helped me think of things I would never have thought of otherwise!”
Kevin says, “It is a lovely book and a lovely story about why she wrote it (for her grandkids).” He adds that the copyright issues on which he worked with Vikki were a nice change from his usual practice, in which he advises businesses of all sizes across the country—from Silicon Valley to the Silicon Slopes to the East Coast—on all aspects of patent strategy, including preparation of patent applications; prosecution; and commercialization of patents, patent families, and patent portfolios.
“All About Cancer for Kids” launched on Amazon in October and is already receiving an enthusiastic response from families and caregivers. Vikki intends to donate all proceeds from its sale to the Huntsman Cancer Center, which she credits for successfully guiding her through her own diagnosis and treatment.
About Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Lowenstein Sandler LLP is a national law firm with over 350 lawyers based in New York, Palo Alto, New Jersey, Utah, and Washington, D.C. The firm represents leaders in virtually every sector of the global economy, with particular emphasis on investment funds, life sciences, and technology. Recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and high standard of client service, the firm is committed to the interests of its clients, colleagues, and communities.
