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Children’s books offer hope in a unique way
When Nancy Perez-Atkari was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2006, the Akron, Michigan resident started gathering information. She received a personal health kit and numerous brochures and books from the American Cancer Society, which helped her to know what to expect. Nancy’s doctor also gave her a children’s book to share with her six-year-old daughter, Mya. The resources helped Nancy talk to Mya about how cancer would affect her.

"I told her I might get sick, I might not feel good, I might cough, I might be tired," said Nancy, who had chemotherapy and radiation before starting Tamoxifen. "[The resources] helped make it easier."

© 2007. The Bay City Times. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Mya had a chance to write her own book when her school, Unionville-Sebewaing Area Elementary, held a Young Authors contest for first through fourth graders.

"It was the day before and I told Mya, ’Don’t forget, you have to think of something to write for a book for tomorrow’," recalled Nancy. "And she said ok and that’s all we talked about it."

A couple months later during parent-teacher conferences, Nancy had a chance to read Mya’s book, "Mom’s Life with Cancer".  

"I wanted other kids to know how it feels," said Mya. "My favorite part is where Mom got to come home with us because she had to stay at Grandma’s for a while. That was hard."

Nancy works near the Bay Area Service Center, and when she took her daughter with her to work one day, Mya asked to visit the local office.

"She had her book with her," explained Nancy. "She just wanted someone to read it." The staff at the area service center was honored to grant Mya’s request and they were very moved by her book.

The American Cancer Society currently offers four books designed to help children and families cope with cancer as well as gain a better understanding of the treatment process and life post-diagnosis:  

• Mom and the Polka-Dot Boo-Boo by Eileen and Maggie Sutherland
• Our Mom is Getting Better and Our Dad is Getting Better by Alex, Emily, and Anna Rose Silver
• I Can Survive by Jennifer May Allen

While young children may only recognize the side effects of cancer, they certainly understand that the vibrant adults they once knew are now challenged by fatigue and illness, often leaving them unable to interact in the same way as they did prior to treatment.

The books are written by children whose families are affected by cancer, and their perspectives offer hope in a unique way. Visit online at www.cancer.org/bookstore or call 1-800-ACS-2345 to learn more about these wonderful resources offered by your American Cancer Society.

Pictured: Mya Atkari and Nancy Perez-Atkari

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