Published: July 17th, 2019
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, understanding what is happening can be very overwhelming, not only for the child but for their family, friends and other children around them. Sarah Stanley has helped to make this discussion a little easier for children by creating the wonderful book titled Hero Hunter and the Wonky White Cells.
Sarah initially created the book for her Godson Hunter, the little superhero who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2016. Hunter was only three years old when he was diagnosed and his intense treatment effected his weight, his ability to walk, feed and go to the toilet.
It soon became apparent that the book might have a wider audience, as it was an easy way for other children and even parents to understand what children with leukaemia go through.
Hero Hunter and the Wonky White Cells explores the science and journey of childhood leukaemia, from diagnosis to treatment. The book uses easy to understand analogies to describe complex concepts, well complimented by Sarah’s illustrations.
As a General Practitioner, Sarah said creating this book was the perfect trinity of her passions of medicine, education and creativity – along with the underlying importance of family. It was important for Sarah to create all aspects of the book, including the illustrations.
“I wanted to demonstrate the medical side to treatment in its realness, so when children see these things in hospital they are prepared and it’s not as scary.” She said.
“I hope it can help young children to better understand leukaemia. It has already done the number one job, which was to help Hunter.” Said Sarah.
Hunter recently became the first child to ring the treatment bell at the Perth Children’s Hospital to celebrate 100 days since his life-saving bone marrow transplant.
If you are interested in buying a copy of Hero Hunter and the Wonky White Cells, simply head to their Facebook page, where you can make a secure purchase through PayPal. The book costs $20 plus postage, with all profits going to charity, including CLCRF.
