When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it can be incredibly traumatizing. Families have to adapt to a new world that is filled with doctor appointments, chemo, hospitalizations, and side effects. There are supportive medical providers, such a child life specialists, oncologists, and nurses that become part of the family. They offer education and resources to make this new transition more manageable, so families can feel empowered.
I’m happy to share a new resource that was inspired by one family’s cancer journey. I hope that you can add this to your library and support families coping with cancer.
Guest Blogger, Elizabeth Billups Author of The Puddle Jumpers Guide to Kicking Cancer
The Puddle Jumper’s Guide to Kicking Cancer, a true story about a spunky puddle jumper named Gracie and her dog, Roo, who gives readers an honest, hopeful, and even funny look at what it’s really like to kick cancer. Whether readers have a loved one with cancer or have cancer themselves, this book will equip and encourage them, said Dr. Thomas Smith, a pediatric oncologist.
Billups decided to write this book after her daughter, Gracie, was diagnosed with Leukemia at nine years old. Gracie has since then completed her treatment and has been in remission.
When her daughter was diagnosed, Billups said, she tried to find a book to teach Gracie and her sisters and friends about cancer, but she couldn’t find one that seemed honest about the difficulties in fighting cancer.
“The books I read seemed to gloss over the hard parts, which didn’t seem fair or helpful,” Billups said. “I needed a book that was engaging and fun, but also real. I decided the best person to guide kids through the realities of fighting cancer is another tough kid … a brave puddle jumper who has fun splashing in puddles in spite of the rain.”
To add some comic relief, Gracie’s dog, Roo, shares in the storytelling. Kids can also keep an eye out for Turtle throughout the book, who reminds kids of the power of courage and determination.
“Readers also get to see how Gracie and her family aren’t battling cancer alone,” said Billups. “As the Puddle Jumper says, ‘Yes, cancer is tough … but together we are tougher!’”
Click here to purchase your copy today and follow on Facebook.
We will be giving away a copy of The Puddle Jumper’s Guide to Kicking Cancer to one lucky winner.
Choose one or more ways to enter:
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Good Luck, the winner will be chosen on 4/24/20.
