In this BeholdBeGold interview, childhood cancer survivor and author Ashley Brooks shares the inspiration behind writing Chemo Kids 2, opening up about her diagnosis at age two, the memories that shaped her journey, and the friendships and care team that supported her. We talk about hearing loss, late effects, Child Life support, representation, and the emotional side of survivorship. Chemo Kids 2 is a gentle, honest resource for young patients, families, and anyone wanting to better understand the childhood cancer experience.
“Chemo Kids,” written by childhood cancer survivor Ashley Brooks, gently helps children understand what to expect during cancer treatment in a comforting and relatable way. BeholdBeGold was honored to interview Ashley and talk about the heart behind her story and the impact her book continues to have on young patients and families.
"Despite my late effects, surviving childhood cancer gave me the chance to meet certain special people and the opportunity to go to the Sunshine Kids trip and had a Make A Wish granted. Be a friend to childhood cancer survivors, we have experienced a lot at a young age and still dealing with late effects of treatment"-Drew
"Despite my late effects, I always have faith, I don't give up, I take my time, I know it's not an easy journey but I just keep going" -Emili
"Despite my late effects, I have learned to cope, live, and accept. I'm happy that I'm here, celebrating life. Before cancer life was just life but now I'm here, and this is amazing. I did a 10-mile walk, I didn't think I could do it because when I had a stroke I had to learn to walk again and suddenly all these years later I'm doing this 10-mile walk. It was amazing, definitely one of the highlights of my life" -Ellen
"Despite my late effects of childhood cancer: I have the opportunity to be able to live my life, I'm able to see many happy events happening, it gives me a new perspective on life, makes me thankful for what I have, and I look forward to many things. Anything is amazing considering where we came from and our history. " -Katie