FOREVER HELLOS, HARD GOOD-BYES: INSPIRATION, WIT, & WISDOM FROM COURAGEOUS KIDS FACING LIFE-THREATENING ILLNESS shares the stories, advice, and humor—in their own words—of 34 children who face life-threatening illnesses. The kids come from across the nation, and from all backgrounds, creating a mosaic from which all readers will benefit.
Nothing like FOREVER HELLOS, HARD GOOD-BYES has ever been accomplished before: a book for kids from kids that engages kids, and is a must-read for parents, siblings, doctors, nurses, social workers, teachers, classmates, counselors, professors, and scholars. No book has ever provided the unvarnished words of these children in such a singularly unique format—each chapter presents the kids’ views and advice on a single topic, such as “Adventures in School” and “Hospital Tips and Tales.”
The book delivers powerful messages about strength, perseverance, hope, community, inclusion, anti-bullying, and giving back.
“These stories effectively communicate the real fears and challenges of children coping with serious illness. The authors also draw out the courage that these children exhibit in facing their illness while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy. Its messages of hope, strength, and joy are ones all of us need to hear.”
— David Williams, President and CEO; Make-A-Wish Foundation of America
“This is an outstanding book. Each story is a testament to the beauty of the inner spirit. I would eagerly share it with our patients and their families. I applaud the authors for compiling such a beautiful piece of work and I strongly endorse its wide distribution.”
— Dr. Lori Wiener, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
“The power of the stories serves as a source of inspiration and education for children and adults, and contributes to an increased level of empathy, tolerance, and respect. I will recommend it highly to professionals and parents.”
— Dr. Robert B. Brooks, Clinical Child Psychologist, Harvard University
“I fully endorse the need for this groundbreaking book in the American school system. It would serve as an exceptional supplement in the classroom, significantly enhancing the educational experience that our students gain from mainstreaming and inclusion of chronically ill children. By reading what life experiences and adversity their peers overcome, a greater appreciation and awareness for those who are different is created.”
— Stephen J. Buoniconti, State Senator; Commonwealth of Massachusetts
“This book is a fabulous tool for any instructor to use.”
— Nora Hager, Dept. of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Missouri
“This book can instill a sense of comfort for children undergoing treatment for serious illness.”
— Rebecca J. Baglio, MSW, LCSW, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark, NJ
“This is a groundbreaking work…the first book that addresses the children themselves and talks openly and realistically about the issues and challenges from their perspective.”
— Janet T. Fortner, President & CEO, Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region
“Forever Hellos, Hard Good-Byes is a rare offering for adults and kids alike. It will be embraced by families and individuals dealing with chronic or terminable situations. Teachers, counselors, medical students and professionals, classmates, relatives, and even the casual observer of kids with special needs can glean wonderful insights into the worlds of these youth by hearing from them in their own words. I plan to put a copy in the hands of everyone!”
— Parent Review on Amazon.com
“Forever Hellos, Hard Good-Byes is heartily recommended…simply heartwarming tales.”
— Midwest Book Review
