A Little Superhero Fights Cancer

by Destiny Flood-De Jesus, Veen Redwood (Illustrator)

Overview

Destiny was a happy and healthy little girl until one day, a standard vision test changed her life.

"A Little Superhero Fights Cancer" shares the brave, emotional, and loving story of Destiny who as a preteen, defiantly fought a rare eye cancer and learned to literally and figurately see the world in a different way.

Today, author Destiny Flood-De Jesus is 20 years cancer-free. She shares her story in hopes that kids find hope, joy, and even adventure when faced with scary and unfamiliar places like clinics and hospitals. Most importantly, she wants to empower children and their families with permission to laugh and cry, sing, sob, and dance because every emotion makes them stronger. Like superheroes.

"Reading this story brings tears to my eyes as I have a superhero myself! My 3-year-old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia and our lives quickly changed as well. I found this book to be heartwarming and uplifting, as it will bring you and your little superhero comfort during your journey."
-Kristen Benjamin, Boston, MA - Parent to a Little Superhero

"This rare gem of a story packs a powerful punch! Finally, a therapeutic resource for childhood cancer and illness that is relatable to boys and girls suffering through any traumatic event. Bravo to Destiny Flood-De Jesus for having the heart and the bravery to share her cancer story with the World."
-Rowena Austin, Master Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

"After reading this book I knew that author Destiny succeeded in her goal to prove and provide a resource that included soothing and optimistic views of having cancer to support current and future little superheroes. Author Destiny is a genuinely beautiful superhero. I am thankful that Destiny allowed me in her life as she was living her life as described in this book."
- Robin Krowchun, Massachusetts - Tutor, Middle School Teacher

"Destiny tells a must-read inspirational story as she was diagnosed with cancer at age 11. However, with her determination and her support team, she is now cancer free for the past 20 years.

"Destiny's story will inspire people of all ages, especially those who are facing difficult times."
-Dick Vitale, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Sports Emmy Lifetime Achievement
Philanthropist, Dick Vitale Pediatric Cancer Research Fund, V Foundation

Product Details

BN ID:	2940160867366
Publisher:	CD Publishings
Publication date:	06/01/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	18 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	6 - 8 Years

About the Author

A diagnosed Retinoblastoma that was atypical for her age magnified the then 11-year-old Destiny Flood-DeJesus’s challenge of being a preteen. Now an adult and cancer-free for 20 years, Destiny didn’t want other kids in similar situations to look far to read about someone who looked or came from a similar background as them.

When Destiny, a mixed-race Latina, was treated for cancer, her parents couldn’t find books or websites that would explain her illness to her in a language a young person could understand. There was no one at home to tell her what to expect or live with the limitations of being a sick kid.

In a way, Destiny still feels like that little girl and hopes with her story – her book – that other kids know it’s ok to be afraid if they’re sick. It’s ok to be silly and dance one minute and be scared the next. It’s ok to get excited about small steps because, like hers, they can lead to huge victories. It’s important to know that you, too, when faced with adversity, can find powers like a superhero!

As a digital marketing specialist, Destiny works with specifics, but during her own time, she flexes her creative muscles by writing and practicing photography. “I can see a lot with one good eye!” she said, referring to a prosthetic eye that lies in place of the one removed after her cancer diagnosis.

A native of Lowell, Mass., Destiny lives in Houston, Texas with her husband Cristian, and their mini-goldendoodle, Jager (after Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger). With a childish grin, she speaks about how she met Cristian in high school. “I saw him playing basketball and afterward, went up and told him he was cute!” Together they like to dance and explore Houston’s diverse attractions.

A self-proclaimed homebody, Destiny would ultimately like to help kids and families affected by cancer to help pay medical expenses that aren’t covered by health insurance. It’s a burden, she says, that should not overshadow healing.