The National Children's Cancer Society Activity Book Encourages Kids with Cancer: You Can Move Mountains
St. Louis, MO (PRWEB) May 21, 2014 -- Children love activity books, but The National Children’s Cancer Society believes that their innovative new publication goes beyond typical fun and games. "I Can Move Mountains" also encourages kids with cancer to fight and overcome their disease.
The colorful, 24-page activity book was produced with a grant from the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, Inc. "I Can Move Mountains" offers kids with cancer opportunities to journal about themselves, explore things they love, try their hand at being a cartoonist, and even complete a hospital scavenger hunt – all with a goal of helping them believe they can move beyond the “mountain” of treatment and illness they’re facing.
“Our desire and purpose with this activity book is to teach children with cancer to believe in themselves, and that they are strong enough to get through treatment and come out a winner on the other side,” said Cindy Dineen, NCCS case manager and the book’s project manager.
“So many children are surviving cancer today,” added Dineen. “Our desire is that this activity book helps them get through the hardest parts – like chemotherapy and hospital stays – in a fun and interactive way. We’re trying to build in them the kind of ‘strength that moves mountains.’ At the same time, we hope the activities will create in them a foundation for success beyond treatment.”
Childhood cancer survivors who are now healthy teens and adults provided cheerful illustrations for the book. Among the contributing artists is Heather Cain, a 25-year-old speech pathologist whose family was helped by the NCCS after she was diagnosed with leukemia at ages 10 and 13. Photos of Heather and all the artists are included in the book to encourage children that they can fulfill their dreams.
"I Can Move Mountains" also includes silly quizzes and games motivating kids to be brave, a page called “Hospital High Jinks,” with fun ideas to do while confined to the hospital (like indoor campouts and video game tournaments), a “Bald is Bold” art page where those who have lost their hair from chemotherapy can design their ideal scalp tattoo, and even sections with tips to help children identify supportive friends and cope with missed school days.
The mission of The National Children's Cancer Society is to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families worldwide. "I Can Move Mountains" is part of the NCCS’s commitment to help children currently facing pediatric cancer, and those who have moved beyond their disease and are dealing with the immediate and long-term impacts of treatment.
To learn more about NCCS support services for children with cancer and their families, and download the activity book and other NCCS publications, visit thenccs.org. For information and resources for survivors, including a Late Affects Assessment Tool and college scholarship opportunities, visit beyondthecure.org.
Lori Millner, The National Children's Cancer Society, http://www.thenccs.org, +1 3144465247 Ext: 247, [email protected]
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