From Patient to Author: Amelia's Wish

This empathy and her gratitude for all who supported her as she faced cancer were the inspiration behind her choice to use her wish to help other young cancer patients.

In 2016, Amelia was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. Her diagnosis was a shock. ““When I was diagnosed with cancer, I had no idea what to expect. The fear of the unknown was terrifying,” says Amelia. She wondered what was next, what her treatment plan meant, and what the road ahead held for her. Most notably, she remembers wondering why this was happening to her and whether she had done something to deserve it.

When the opportunity to have a wish granted by Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island was brought to her attention, Amelia’s first thought was a trip to Asia. As the pandemic put a halt to wish travel and Amelia had time to reflect on what she really wanted, she thought about her loves of drawing, meeting new people, and making friends. Amelia realized that she had so much gratitude to express. “I wanted to give back to the community that saved my life and supported me through such a hard time,” says Amelia.  

And so, Amelia’s wish—to create an activity book for oncology patients—was underway.  After a two-year creative process, Amelia celebrated the launch of her book, Amelia Takes On Cancer: An Interactive Journal for Your Own Cancer Journey, with a party and book signing. The event, generously hosted by An Unlikely Story Bookstore in Plainville, MA, was a chance for Amelia to introduce her labor of love to the public and commemorate her achievement.

The Make-A-Wish staff and volunteers who worked on Amelia’s wish connected the teen with a team to help make her dream a reality. The first call was to longtime supporter, best-selling author, and former member of the Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island Board of Directors, Liz Brunner. Brunner tapped into her extensive network, including close friend and fellow media personality Candy O’Terry, and further calls were made. Through their efforts, a team of professionals came together, including publisher Lisa Akoury-Ross, illustrator Olivia Bosson, and children’s book author Beth Raisner Glass, who consulted with Amelia on the initial draft. Also serving in a consulting role was Make-A-Wish Medical Advisory Council member and clinical psychologist, Dr. Stan Whitsett.

In outlining the book, Amelia saw a need for a resource made for kids with cancer, by a kid who had cancer. “When I was diagnosed I did lots of research, but nothing resonated,” says Amelia. “I wanted to create a resource for kids, so they can know what to expect and be reassured that their feelings are valid.” Amelia knows how scary and lonely it can be to face a cancer diagnosis, especially as a child, and she hopes her book and story will “provide inspiration, comfort, and hope to them.”

Amelia, who recently started her freshman year at UCLA, recognizes the importance of her cancer journey. She values the friends that she made along the way, the ways in which she matured, and the gratitude she developed. As she embarks on her next journey, she has no idea where her path will lead her, but she knows she will continue to pursue the passions she developed through her experience with illness. “I might write another book, or find a career that allows me to help kids with cancer. I’m interested in disability justice [Zai walks with the aid of crutches as a result of radiation-related symptoms] and in the law and standing up for people. And science and how technology can help with healthcare. I hope to stay in touch with the cancer community,” says Amelia.

And she already is. Amelia is working to provide free copies of her book to cancer patients at clinics around the country. What’s more, she has chosen to donate all author proceeds from the sale of her book back to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island to support wish kids.  Learn more and purchase or donate a copy of Amelia Takes on Cancer