Written by Trish Dearn. Illustrated by Lonica Lee. Concept by Trish Dearn and Dr Maria McCarthy.

Transitioning through the various phases of childhood cancer treatment and coming off treatment are well recognised as stressful and difficult times for children and their families. The resources available to assist families – particularly resources for children – are limited.

The Together Stories, a series of eight story books, have been written to assist young children adapt to the physical and psychological changes associated with cancer treatment and life after cancer. These books offer a creative way for parents to help their child to find their own voices and stories to tell. The books have been written with the ordinary experiences of Australian children in mind, with the intention of helping those affected by illness to adjust to treatment and hospital life and reintegrate into preschool and school life. Children with cancer often do not have many choices but children in these books do.

Georgie and Her Hairy Adventure helps children cope with reactions to their hair growing back again after cancer treatment.

Charlie and Jackyboy provides strategies for children to help adapt back into the home environment after cancer treatment.

Harry and the Happysads Mystery explores feelings about finishing cancer treatment for children and their families.

Tom’s Song explores feelings about coping with the end of cancer treatment and learning how to co-exist in the medical and normal world, and making friends.

Lola and the Swing helps children discover that change and trying new things can be fun after all.

Ivy and Her Magical Friends helps children cope with strange noises at night-time on hospital wards.

Things That Make Me Feel Better provides children with strategies to deal with issues around illness and feelings about being in hospital.

My Story, this book is blank for children to write their own story and to understand that their story is as important as the others in the book set.

These four books, whilst of specific benefit for cancer patients, are relevant to all children undergoing hospital treatment.

About the AuthorTrish Dearn, a registered music therapist, is the mother of Charlotte who was diagnosed with leukaemia at the age of two. Throughout their journey, Trish wrote a series of stories to help Charlotte overcome the difficulties she faced with the challenges of cancer treatment and recovery. This project was a concept that grew from a creative and therapeutic partnership between Trish and Dr Maria McCarthy (Children’s Cancer Centre, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne) supported by a team of allied health staff. Charlotte is now a happy and healthy 10 year old who is thriving and recently received the “all clear” from the oncology team.

About the IllustratorLonica Lee has been awarded countless art prizes and scholarships. She has published several children’s illustration books and is renowned for her fun and energetic children’s illustration style. Lonica worked closely with Trish and Maria to establish a therapeutic application in her use of drawing and colour for this series.

Order FormI would like to donate a complete set of The Together Stories (8 titles) to be provided to a child undergoing treatment for cancer within Victorian hospitals – cost $125.00 including postage (fully tax deductible – donation receipt provided)I would like to purchase a complete set of The Together Stories (8 titles) – cost $125.00 including postage. Tax receipt provided. Pleaseprovide shipping address below.

I would like to purchase copies of individual titles as follows:

PRICE QUANTITY TOTAL

Ivy and Her Magical Friends $15.00 Things That Make Me Feel Better $15.00Georgie and Her Hairy Adventure $15.00 Charlie and Jackyboy $15.00 Lola and the Swing $15.00Harry and the Happysads Mystery $15.00 Tom’s Song $15.00 My Story $10.00 Shipping Please add $11.00 for postage of 1-4 books and $15.00 for 5-16 books (within Australia)

TOTAL ORDER

Please tick method of payment:

Attached is a copy of a bank receipt for a direct deposit to:

Bank: Westpac The deposit was made on

Account Name: Children’s Cancer Centre Foundation Reference:

BSB: 033-299 Account number: 11-1004

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All benefits from sales of The Together Stories will be directed towards funding programs of the Children’s Cancer Centre Foundation. For information on our clinical, research and family support programs: cccf.org.au

The Together Stories were generously funded by the Oaks Day Ladies Luncheon, an annual fundraising event managed by Over The Fence Events.

Please tick method of payment and return completed form to info@cccf.org.au or to the Children's Cancer Centre Foundation, Level 4, 21-31 Goodwood St, Richmond Vic 3121, T: 03 9635 6685