Along with illustrator, Jackie Gorman, Sharon is fundraising to publish and distribute a children’s book to over 100 families at local cancer treatment centers in Orange County, Los Angeles and San Diego. Book distribution set for this October 2018. Go here to contribute to the fundraiser. For more information, email she.regenerated@gmail.com
Called The Little Green Monster, the book features a little monster who helps a family impacted by cancer when they are sad, and celebrates special moments with laughter, cuddling, and every day adventures. The little green monster reassures the reader that with the magic of creativity and imagination, families thrive through cancer.
The idea of The Little Green Monster came to me the day Sharon was both diagnosed with breast cancer and rescued a Senegal Parrot, who is a wizard at holding things with his three (instead of four) toes. He always makes us laugh with his antics and silly expressions. Sharon realized that if he could make her feel good as she is going through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation--and her family is experiencing this along side her--surely a little green monster can do this for other families too.
Cancer produces a range of emotions for both patient and caregivers. The Little Green Monster supports us as we process those emotions: acknowledge them, endure the difficult moments and enjoy the happy times. The Little Green Monster’s favorite saying is, “We Love Science. We Need Magic.” The science helps us heal physically, and the magic of imagination and creativity help us heal emotionally.
Sharon hopes this book will support children as they learn about cancer and their emotions. It was written especially for families who are currently impacted by cancer, but it is also a book for teaching the broader community about what a friend or family might be experiencing because of cancer. The Little Green Monster builds self worth, empathy and perspective taking for all readers.
Sharon is excited to work with local cancer treatment centers to interact with families, read and discuss the book together, conduct art and writing activities to help process emotions about cancer, and donate The Little Green Monster to them.
The Little Green Monster will be available through the author and on Amazon in October 2018.