NEWSROOM

 

 

June 4, 2008, ST. LOUIS – For many parents, Thumbs Up Johnnie™ has helped their kids learn how to be a good friend and work together.

 

Now, the children’s book character is helping kids understand a tougher subject: cancer.

 

In partnership with the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, local author Michelle Bain’s latest “Thumbs Up Johnnie™” book, titled “Heart Full of Hope and a Box Full of Wishes” is targeted for a young audience that doesn’t always understand when a parent, friend or loved one is diagnosed with cancer.

 

"Cancer in a family presents complicated issues," says Teresa Deshields, PhD, manager of psych-oncology services at the Siteman Cancer Center. “And there are few books or media out there to help children in the five to twelve year old age group understand cancer.”

 

Bain, creator of the Thumbs Up Johnnie™ children’s book series, was approached by Mueriel Carp, director of community relations and special programs at Siteman, to help fill the void. In partnership with Cardinals Care, the St. Louis Cardinals community foundation, Bain created the new book with a goal to help those children.

 

The book centers around three characters diagnosed with cancer, one of whom passes away. “We talked with Michelle about addressing this issue in a way that children could understand and that could open a line of communication with them about something happening personally,” says Carp.

 

“It’s a very empowering way for kids to be creative, tap into their emotions and feel more control over positive thoughts,” says Bain.

 

“This is a great collaboration because so much good can come from this book,” says Bain. “We’re very proud of it.”

 

The book is free to patients at the Siteman Cancer Center are available at their Barnard Health and Cancer Information Center. For more information, visit www.siteman.wustl.edu or call 314-362-7844.

 

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