Leslie Morissette turned her personal tragedy into positive energy after the death of her 8-year-old son from leukemia. She founded Grahamtastic Connection, a nonprofit that provides computers, iPads and robots that help keep ill children connected to the outside world. Her efforts have landed her on the list of <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2Fspecials%2Fcnn-heroes">top 10 CNN Heroes of 2017</a>. Click through the gallery for more information and photos.
Leslie Morissette turned her personal tragedy into positive energy after the death of her 8-year-old son from leukemia. She founded Grahamtastic Connection, a nonprofit that provides computers, iPads and robots that help keep ill children connected to the outside world. Her efforts have landed her on the list of top 10 CNN Heroes of 2017. Click through the gallery for more information and photos.
David Scott Holloway/CNN
Morissette's nonprofit is named for her son, Graham, whose friendly and open nature inspired her to come up with a way for children fighting cancer and other serious illnesses to keep their friendships and family connections going.
Morissette's nonprofit is named for her son, Graham, whose friendly and open nature inspired her to come up with a way for children fighting cancer and other serious illnesses to keep their friendships and family connections going.
David Scott Holloway/CNN
CNN caught up with Morissette during a visit with students in Wells, Maine, on November 14, 2017. When ill children have to miss class, they use robots donated by Grahamtastic Connection to attend class remotely.
CNN caught up with Morissette during a visit with students in Wells, Maine, on November 14, 2017. When ill children have to miss class, they use robots donated by Grahamtastic Connection to attend class remotely.
David Scott Holloway/CNN
The robots allow sick students to heal while enjoying a classroom experience similar to their peers.
The robots allow sick students to heal while enjoying a classroom experience similar to their peers.
David Scott Holloway/CNN
"I find that most seriously ill children just want to be normal kids," Morissette said. "They want be in school and they want to be with their classmates. So, we're providing the tools that enable that."
"I find that most seriously ill children just want to be normal kids," Morissette said. "They want be in school and they want to be with their classmates. So, we're providing the tools that enable that."
David Scott Holloway/CNN
Technology provided by the organization also can assist with homework and classwork.
Technology provided by the organization also can assist with homework and classwork.
David Scott Holloway/CNN
Since 1998, the group has helped more than 1,500 children throughout the country stay connected to the outside world and continue their education.
Since 1998, the group has helped more than 1,500 children throughout the country stay connected to the outside world and continue their education.
David Scott Holloway/CNN
Battling illness doesn't have to mean missing the class portrait anymore. A personal robot can deliver a child's smile virtually anywhere.
Battling illness doesn't have to mean missing the class portrait anymore. A personal robot can deliver a child's smile virtually anywhere.
David Scott Holloway/CNN