Holiday of kindness: UC grads’ children’s books will support kids in need
Proceeds will purchase Christmas gifts for Hamilton County children in foster care
This year, a Bearcats love story becomes a Bearcats Christmas story.
A Cincinnati couple who met at their University of Cincinnati commencement ceremony is giving back to children in foster care this holiday season.
Vic and Laura Fahrner Troha, graduates of UC’s College of Allied Health Sciences (CAHS), have written two children’s books together, “A is for Anatomy” and “Counting Your Funny Bones,” both published through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. This season, they will donate all proceeds from book sales to purchase Christmas gifts for children served by Hamilton County Job and Family Services’ Kindness for Kids initiative.
“We feel called to give,” said Laura Troha. “We’ve already started buying presents and plan to drop them off soon.”
The Trohas are also using the project to teach their daughters, ages 2 and 5, the meaning of generosity by taking them along to shop for the gifts.
“We want our girls to experience what it feels like to give back,” said Laura Troha. “Kindness is a big staple in our household.”
About the books
"A is for Anatomy," published in 2022, is a rhyming alphabet book that teaches correct names for body parts. "Counting Your Funny Bones," released earlier this year, is a rhyming counting book that shares fun facts about how the body works.
Vic Troha said he and his wife are “human anatomy nerds” who wanted to create an educational platform not only for their daughters but for other kids as well.
“We want these books to be a little bit of a legacy for our girls,” said Laura Troha.
A drawing of their older daughter appears on the first book’s cover, and their younger daughter is on the second book’s cover.
The Trohas also tapped their UC connections to illustrate the first book. "A is for Anatomy" was illustrated by Tyra Victor, then a student in the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP).
“Tyra was fantastic and did a great job,” said Vic Troha.
Bearcats for Life: A love story
Laura and Vic Troha. Photo/Provided.
Vic Troha, a Grand Rapids, Michigan, native graduated from UC’s pre-physical therapy (PT) program and now has a physical therapy practice at Cincinnati Sports Club. Laura Troha, from Hamilton, Ohio, graduated from the advanced medical imaging technology (AMIT) program and works in medical ultrasound sales for GE Healthcare.
Although they shared many mutual friends within CAHS, the Trohas said they never met inside French Hall East, the college’s former home. That changed on graduation day in December 2012 at Fifth Third Arena, when they were seated next to each other as student marshals — and the rest is history.
When Vic decided it was time to propose to Laura, he took her back to where it all began.
He told Laura they were attending an event at Fifth Third Arena, but when they walked inside, it was empty — except for two chairs on the basketball court, placed in the same spot where they sat during commencement.
The couple celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary on Dec. 9.
Bearcats for Life
Join us as we redefine what it means to be Bearcats — where every learner is supported, valued and equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. It’s our promise.
Featured image at top: Vic and Laura Troha and their two daughters. Photo/Provided.
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