A Note from the Author
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During my diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer, I tried to find a book I could read to my children to help them understand what was happening to me. I wanted a book that instilled hope and explained the basics of cancer. I never found that book.
When I was explaining each step of my surgeries and treatments to my sons, I discovered a theme ‚ cancer is a bad weed in my garden. There are many ways to weed a garden. To rid our garden of weeds, we prefer pulling them rather than spraying them. Cancer treatments usually require both surgery and chemotherapy. Taking medicine that made me sick was hard for my boys to comprehend and difficult to explain. The garden analogy made it easier for them to understand. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. America has 2.5 million breast cancer survivors, the largest group of cancer survivors in the U. S. It affects one in eight women and of those women one-third are between the ages of 20 and 49. Early detection is key, which is why most doctors recommend that women at the age of 40 start receiving regular mammograms. Many of these women have young children in their lives. (Statistics come from the Susan G. Komen Foundation Web site.) I'm confident that having my sons tell our family story will give other families the strength, courage, and optimism they need during an awful time that can feel quite hopeless. |
”Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden”
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Katy Tessman teamed with Jessica Bailey on the illustrations for ”Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden.” Her charming pictures give the serious topic of breast cancer more accessible for all ages. Two of Jessica's grandmothers are breast cancer survivors and her artwork is dedicated in honor of them.
"For Nana and Mema, two of the most beautiful gardens I know." ~ Jessica Bailey
Jessica Bailey is a Minnesota born and raised artist living in Minneapolis with her partner and two dogs. She received a BA in Literary Studies from Eugene Lang College the New School for Liberal Arts in New York City, and has been a tattooist since 2013. She reads and writes in her spare time, but also uses her literary degree to reassure clients that their tattoos are spelled correctly.
"For Nana and Mema, two of the most beautiful gardens I know." ~ Jessica Bailey
Jessica Bailey is a Minnesota born and raised artist living in Minneapolis with her partner and two dogs. She received a BA in Literary Studies from Eugene Lang College the New School for Liberal Arts in New York City, and has been a tattooist since 2013. She reads and writes in her spare time, but also uses her literary degree to reassure clients that their tattoos are spelled correctly.
We have partnered with Gilda's Club - Twin Cities to distribute donated books to hospitals and clinics who serve women and families fighting breast cancer. We are excited about this opportunity to get "Our Mama Is A Beautiful Garden" into the hands of families when they most need it.