EARLY childhood teacher, Steph McNeil, has spent her career nurturing children and fostering a love of learning through books.
When she discovered her good friend Aimee Carr’s four year old daughter, Ellie, had been diagnosed with a cancerous tumour she relied on this experience to offer a unique way of showing her support.
The Canungra mum went to see how Aimee was faring after the shock discovery keen to do more than just offer words of comfort.
“Aimee told me that Ellie had started her first round of chemotherapy and was losing her hair,” Steph said.
“Frustrated by not been able to comfort a four year old on the effects of cancer treatment Aimee told me she was shocked that her daughter was losing her hair so quickly and how difficult it was to console her.
“It was then I decided I would write a book for Aimee talking positively about what she was going through.
“The result is a book titled ‘Where is Ellie’s Hair?’ and what was going to be just a personal gift for Ellie is now 1500 copies strong.
“It became a way to support other children facing similar struggles, while also raising funds for Ellie and her family,” Steph said.
“All the profits from the first edition books are going to the family and if we hopefully need to print more we will also be making a donation from the profits to the Children’s Cancer Institute.
“My hope is the book will provide comfort and understanding to families in need, while also raising awareness about the emotional impact of childhood cancer.”
For more information on the book go to: forellie.com.au
