Better Together is a story about a child with a rare disorder who longs to play with other children. In a dream, the child sees a tiger whose hind legs are propelled by a set of wheels and whose animal friends find creative ways to include the tiger in their activities. The child awakes and finds the courage to invite other children to play. Readers discover that is it more fun when everyone plays together.

Better Together was written and illustrated by students at Calvin University as a class project. Their goal was to raise awareness about rare diseases and disorders and promote inclusion. Better Together is sponsored by Rare Disease Research and Support at Calvin University. Additional resources for teaching children about rare disorders can be found at calvin.edu/go/RareCalvin.

About the Authors and Illustrators 

Rachel Chee is a student at Calvin University with a major in biology. She plans to pursue a career as a physician assistant after graduation.

Naomi Cohen is a student at Calvin University with a major in nursing. She plans to pursue a career as a physician after graduation.

Sadie Laughlin is a student at Calvin University with a major in psychology with a neuroscience concentration. She plans to pursue a career as a genetic counselor after graduation.

Danny Lo is a student at Calvin University with a major in chemical engineering. He plans to pursue a career as a pediatric surgeon after graduation.

Daniel Sculley is a student at Calvin University with majors in biochemistry and psychology. He plans to pursue a career as a physician after graduation.

Emilee Thé is a student at Calvin University with a major in business. She plans to pursue a career as a physician after graduation.

About the Editors

Rachael A. Baker is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Amy M. Wilstermann is an Associate Professor of Biology at Calvin University. Together, they work in rare disease research and outreach with the goal of providing information and support to the rare community. They have published their rare disease research in scientific journals, worked with undergraduate students to develop curriculum for K-5 students about rare disorders, and co-hosted symposia that bring members of the rare community together to support and learn from one another.

About the Project

Better Together is a project of Rare Disease Research and Support at Calvin University. Our goal is to support the rare community through research and education. We believe every child should be able to see themselves represented positively in a story. We hope this can be that story for some of the many children who are affected by a rare disorder. It is our hope that this story will start conversations at home and school that raise awareness about rare disorders and promote inclusion. Additional resources for teaching children about rare disorders can be found at here.