How it began...

You'll root for one small boy. Christopher’s Journey: A Remarkable Young Man's Struggle with Leukemia by Maribeth R. Ditmars

Back in the spring of 2001 Sarasota, Fl. rooted for one very sick little boy. Now author Maribeth Ditmars’ book Christopher’s Journey invites you to walk in his shoes. The 218-page memoir chronicles the four years of her son’s treatment for leukemia. Set mainly in Sarasota, Fl. where the Ditmars family lives, and at All Children’s Hospital in Saint Petersburg, Fl. where Chris was on treatment from 1997 until his passing in 2001 at the age of 14, the book recounts Chris’s daily life from the day he was diagnosed until his last peaceful moment. Anything but maudlin, the book recounts Chris's irrepressible humor, the family's remission  travel adventures  and Chris's great gift of faith. You'll cry, laugh, and be uplifted.

 Available in local book stores or at www.iuniverse.com.

How it continues....

Maribeth's new book "The Bald-Headed Princess" is a realistic fiction tale especially for children with cancer. Published by Magination Press, an imprint of The American Psychiatric Association, the book offers hope and insight for children and their loved ones who must face childhood cancer. The hero, Isabelle, is an eleven-year old soccer sensation whose world suddenly turns upside down when she learns that she has leukemia.Written through Isabelle's eyes the reader learns about cancer, chemotherapy, and courage. Isabelle must deal with the medical issues as well as the fear of losing her best friend. When her hair falls out she learns first hand what it is like to be teased because she looks different. In the end Izzie discovers one of life's greatest lessons: how to reach out to others.

"This book is so important to me," says Maribeth. "When my Chris was diagnosed at the age of ten there was no cancer literature out there for his age group. I know that 'The Bald-Headed Princess' will fill a huge void in the market!"