When I was eight-years old I had to face some really scary news – Papa Lew was diagnosed with cancer and even after the use of oxygen, a walker and being in a hospital all the time, he passed away.  With three grandparents who already faced cancer, I felt as though I was completely consumed by the disease.  I was so upset and angry, that I started to take it out on my friends. That was definitely the wrong thing to do. I finally started counseling to help me but it was still hard to talk about.  I did however begin to learn from my experience. My Nana Beverlye is a cancer survivor and taught me a lot about cancer. I had so many questions about the illness and realized that kids my age probably had the same questions and were too afraid to talk about it just like me.  I thought it would be a good idea to write a book with my Nana to help other kids understand cancer, feel more comfortable talking about it, and to inspire families to talk openly about the disease. So we co-wrote Nana, What’s Cancer? which has been published by the American Cancer Society and is set to hit book stores on September 30.  The book is geared towards kids around my age (8-12) and starting with the basics of cell structure, guides us through the experience of cancer as it develops and spreads, and provides the important information on detection and treatment. It also talks about the importance of family and friends and how we should spend time with our loved ones during tough times.  When I was going through my grandparents’ illnesses, all of my family helped me in different ways. I want to share some things I did that helped me get through cancer in my family. These kind of things can help kids like me with all kinds of stress and difficulty—not just cancer. - I talked to my family. It is important to remember that family and friends are always there to help and they’ll love you no matter what. The first couple of weeks I couldn’t talk to my family because the subject was way too hard and scary. But when I finally did, it made me feel so much better. - I made cards for my loved ones who had cancer. I spent more time with them. We watched movies and sang songs. Most importantly, I told them I loved them; it helped them feel so much better! - I went for counseling. I know that the sound of therapy will turn some kids off, but it really helped me become more confident. Even if it seems scary, it is worth trying. - I became more active. I played more sports and did more things outside the house than inside. This helps because moving your body helps get your anger out. Also, a breath of fresh air is always nice. - I hung out with friends and bonded with them more. I now have friends that I can tell everything to and I’m not afraid of getting judged. - I found hobbies (mine are sports and singing). I really got into learning about them and knowing the things in the world that I am good at and are really fun. - I did charity work, like bake sales to raise money for cancer. My Nana, Mom and I took some children with cancer to Universal Studios to show them a good time outside of the hospitals. Their smiles brightened my spirits and help me feel like I was doing my part. - I expressed my creativity through writing. For you, it might be painting, drawing, sculpting, making pottery, dancing or anything, really. This helped me work my feelings out, which felt good. - I read more than ever. For me, reading is like losing myself in a movie, only better. When I read, I become a princess in a faraway land or a girl sitting on a Central Park bench in New York City. Reading also made me feel that I was never alone. I always had that trusty companion on my bedside table just waiting for me to open it. - I began doing yoga, deep breathing and different calming techniques to center myself. I did, and still do a couple Sun Salutations every week. - I tried to remember to laugh. Laughter is the best medicine. If only for a moment, laughing makes everything better. Telling jokes and doing funny things--even watching a funny movie-- helped brighten my day. - I started to imagine more. Things aren’t always perfect or go the way I want –but imagining lets me be in my own little perfect world, if only for a little while. I know I’ll always have my mind to come up with new ideas. Today, I am a regular eleven-year-old in sixth grade who likes to play sports, read and watch musical theatre. I also like to participate in community service programs with my family and friends and when I can, speak with my Nana like we did at the 2008 annual fundraising luncheon of the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation in Santa Barbara, California. My hope is that our book will teach other children that cancer is a disease that no one can fight alone, and that sharing love and strength and laughter makes all the difference to those affected.  Nothing can take away the hurt of someone you love being sick, but whatever difficulty you have, you can find support and healthy ways to take care of yourself—and the people you love.