New Children's Book Helps Kids Navigate the Impact of Cancer

April 22, 2025

Austin, TX — Livestrong, in partnership with Hopecam, proudly announces the release of a new children’s book, My Brave Friend: Emma and Noah Face Cancer Together—a heartfelt story designed to help young readers understand what happens when a friend is diagnosed with cancer. 

The story follows Emma and Noah, two best friends who share everything—playground adventures, belly laughs, and after-school snacks. But when Emma suddenly stops coming to school, Noah finds out that she has cancer. Through Noah’s eyes, readers learn about empathy, resilience, and how small acts of kindness can have a big impact. 

My Brave Friend is adapted from Livestrong at School, the only K–12 cancer education curriculum of its kind. This new book fills a critical gap in children’s literature, offering an age-appropriate tool for families, teachers, and caregivers to talk honestly and gently about cancer with kids in kindergarten through 2nd grade. 

“Cancer diagnoses among adolescents and young adults are rising by 1% to 2% each year, according to the American Cancer Society,” said Suzanne Stone, President & CEO of Livestrong. “But the impact goes beyond the child diagnosed—it ripples out to their classmates, teachers, and community. With My Brave Friend, we want to equip children with the language, empathy, and courage to support one another through life’s hardest moments.” 

Since 1997, the Livestrong Foundation has supported over 10 million cancer survivors and invested more than $610 million in programs and initiatives that improve lives after a diagnosis. Hopecam, a longtime advocate for children with cancer, brings more than two decades of expertise helping kids stay socially connected during treatment through free tablets, laptops, and internet access. 

“Cancer can be isolating, especially for young children who don’t fully understand what’s happening,” said Brett Fox, Director of Operations and Philanthropy at Hopecam. “We’re proud to collaborate with Livestrong on this book and help more kids realize they’re not alone—and that their friendship can make a world of difference.” 

My Brave Friend: Emma and Noah Face Cancer Together is available now at www.MyBraveFriend.com. 

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About Livestrong 

Established in 1997 with a mission to address the often-overlooked challenges in cancer care, Livestrong has supported more than 10 million cancer survivors. Notably, Livestrong played a pivotal role in establishing survivorship as a formal field of study in the cancer space. Livestrong’s empowering work includes programs to encourage physical activity after cancer treatment, assistance for people whose treatment affects fertility, and a library of information available for free online. Along with individual care, Livestrong creates and funds community programs that focus on the day-to-day concerns of survivors and works with policymakers and institutions to change how the world faces cancer.  Livestrong.org 

About Hopecam 

For over 20 years, Hopecam has been on a mission to create a better quality of life for children with cancer by virtually connecting them with their classmates and peers. To make these connections, we provide tablets, laptops, WIFI access, and Hopecam resources at no cost to families. Every time a child is diagnosed with cancer and isolated from friends, their mental health is at risk. Hopecam can change that trajectory by virtually connecting kids with their world. Hopecam.org

• Press Contact: press@livestrong.org