Superheroes vs. Cancer($29.75Value)

Description

Superheroes vs. Cancer is helping families facing cancer at over 50 hospitals and support organizations, including MD Anderson, Mass General, Mayo Clinic, and Gilda's Club. It appears on recommended reading lists from Bright Spot Network and Pickles, and was praised in the newsletter of the Society of Oncology Social Workers. I wrote this book from personal experience. In 2022 my husband was diagnosed with cancer, and over eight months we moved through tests, treatments, hope, and despair. One of the hardest steps was explaining it to our 7-year-old son. I used a familiar metaphor: evil (lazy cancerous cells that won't do their jobs) vs. good (doctors, chemo, radiation, and immunotherapy). Even at that age he grasped it, and it gave us a shared language for questions like: What is cancer? Why does it happen? Will I get sick? How is it treated? Beyond the science, I wanted to address the emotional side and everyday symptoms like hair loss, low appetite, and fatigue. Through warm, colorful illustrations, I acknowledge the feelings of both the adult who is unwell and the child who may feel confused, angry, or sad. The story ends with concrete things kids can do to support a loved one, from giving hugs to sharing stories. Colorful, inviting, and accessible. Empowering, compassionate, and hopeful. Perfect for ages 3-13, families, teachers, counselors, and healthcare professionals.