Better than a Hallmark

Girls' Life, April, 2001

To most, Mother's Day might be just another Hallmark holiday. But to one Maryland family, it marks the anniversary of a mother's miraculous recovery. Last year, when abigail and Adrienne Ackermann's mom, Dawn, told them she had breast cancer the sisters were really scared and confused. The girls couldn't find any easy-to-read books that explained what might happen or what to expect.

Abigail, 12, and Adrienne, 10, are now authors and illustrators of Our Mom Has Cancer, published by the American Cancer Society. They share everything from the hard times, like when their mom had to go through radiation and chemotherapy, to the silly times like shaving her head and throwing her a hat party. "It's a story of hope and faith, even through such a tragic time," says their Aunt Gaylyn," and this Mother's Day marks a full year of healthy living for Dawn." The book ($12.95) is available in bookstores nationwide.