Jamie's Journey — Sharon Wozny

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, his or her siblings may struggle with complex emotions such as confusion, guilt, and fear. Part story, part journal, "Jamie's Journey: Cancer from the Voice of a Sibling" helps siblings of pediatric cancer patients cope with those intense feelings. The first half of the book is about 13-year-old Jamie who describes the roller coaster of emotions she experiences when her 10-year-old sister, Jordan, is diagnosed with cancer. Jamie laments the loss of her “normal” teenage life and describes feeling forgotten as her family focuses on Jordan's medical needs. Jamie finds solace through journaling about her experience, and encourages the reader to write about his or her own journey on the pages provided in the book. "Jamie's Journey" is unique in that it's designed especially for the siblings of pediatric cancer patients. Author Sharon Wozny draws from her experience volunteering with Children's Cancer Network for the past three years. During the time she's spent with young cancer patients and their families, Wozny has discovered that the patients' siblings face unique challenges. “They endure so much,” she said. “They feel so much pain on so many levels and need to know that they are heroes also…” Wozny has made the second half of the book an interactive journal, offering siblings of pediatric cancer patients a safe place to share their thoughts and feelings.