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About the Book

A typical first grade class loves learning and their teacher, Mrs. Hildebrand. Then they discover she is very ill with cancer. They find ways to support her through surgery and lengthy treatment. She finds comfort and strength in their openness and genuine caring. She gains much from the experience. During the school year the children learn not only math and reading but what helping, humor and hugs can contribute to the healing process. This book can be a jumping off point for discussion when a student or students in a class or school encounter a similar situation.

This story was created while the author awaited a chemo treatment. It grew and developed into a book during her first five years of surviving cancer. As her students reached out and helped her get through a difficult time, she wanted to share the same possibility with other teachers, parents and children. This is a subject that touches nearly every one of us. It is important to help the children understand cancer as well.

Linda Dallmann has written this book so teachers and parents have a starting point for telling their children about cancer, how it affects people and how children can help those they love who have cancer. She has been an elementary teacher for 30+ years and a cancer survivor for 5+ years. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, Robert Vetromile. Their two grown children live in the region. She plans to continue reading, writing and teaching, perhaps with a little help from "Mrs. Hildebrand and her kids."