" I feel truly blessed by the amount of people who have embraced my story , and I truly hope it becomes an amazing legacy for years to come ."
We know you wrote , Why My Mummy ? to explain terminal cancer to your beautiful son , Kai . Describe how writing the book has been therapeutic for you . I wrote Why My Mummy ? to give hope and ease the pain of talking to your children not only about cancer , but also a terminal diagnosis . I tried so hard to find a book that Kai could relate to , but I had no luck , the books were all doom and gloom . We are very open at home when talking about my cancer as kids are so smart and they can feel when something is not right . Writing Why My Mummy ? has been very emotional and real . This is why I decided to use the family photos we had taken just before I was to start chemo for the 3rd time , and my hair was to fall out . It brings the book to life having a real family and seeing our lives in print . Writing this book has made my cancer story a little easier , knowing that hopefully our story will help other people when talking about cancer . The book can be read by anyone , not just a cancer family . I believe it can put things in perspective for some families .
How has Why My Mummy ? impacted your relationship with your son ? Kai once said to his daddy on the way to school “ Out of all the mummy ’ s in the world “ Why My Mummy ” and that ’ s how we came up with the name of the book . Kai loves the idea that his book is helping so many families , as well as helping our own .
From the heart of a mom , walk us through your second cancer diagnosis . What were your immediate thoughts and emotions ? Getting my second diagnosis was absolutely devastating and being told that you probably only have 2 years to live is just mind blowing . How could this be ? I did all the right things when first diagnosed like double mastectomy and chemotherapy . How could I be told that I may never get to see Kai grow up or my children get married !?! It ’ s shocking !!! Plus my oncologist told me I would live to be an old lady and now I ’ ve been told I ’ m dying !!!
Sitting in the doctor ’ s office , being told by my doctor , who has tears in her eyes , that there was no cure for me was devastating . Seeing my husband break down was the most terrifying , as I always looked to him for strength . It was just too much so I found myself holding it together for our family . I think most people who get diagnosed with a terminal illness try to be the strong one even though they feel like they are falling apart on the inside . I still wake up in the middle of the night with that dreaded feeling that I have cancer . I don ’ t think that will ever go away , but it does get easier with time .
How have you seen other mothers and families impacted by your books ? I absolutely know our book is making an impact . I ’ ve had so many positive reviews on my Why My Mummy ? Facebook page . I actually had a man post a beautiful message about his wife having cancer and what a relief it brought to his family having our book . It is being read in schools which allows children to be more understanding of this disease and more comforting and caring to children who have sick parents .
You are exhibiting so much courage and strength that is beyond admirable . What and / or who is your greatest source of strength ? A lot of people tell me how courageous I am , but what I believe is true inner strength is my will and determination to be around to support other people with an illness and to let them see that I am so passionate about being alive and around for my family , especially my kids . This disease does not discriminate by age , race and gender ! I have watched so many of my friends die from this disease so if I can make a small difference to someone ’ s life , I know I ’ ve done my job .
Why My Mummy ?" can be purchased at www . whymymummy . com . You may purchase a copy for your local school , library or hospital , and Donna and Kai will personally sign it .
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