Photo Credit: Copybrighters LLCNews
Barbara Adams of Copybrighters LLC completes children’s book series
Cypress resident and Copybrighters writer/editor Barbara Belzer Adams has been an ardent supporter of the Histiocytosis Association since her son, Brent, was diagnosed with the rare pediatric cancer called Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) more than 30 years ago. Now, as a Histio Ambassador for the nonprofit association, Adams has published three children’s books about the disease in time for Histiocytosis Awareness Month, observed in September each year.
The Histiocytosis Association funds research into LCH and the 11 other histiocytic disorders, advocates on behalf of patients, and supports patients and their families.
There is no federal funding into the cause of histiocytosis or a cure.
Adams’ books, which families affected by LCH can get for free, are intended to help young patients and their friends, siblings, and classmates understand the disease, how it’s treated, and the emotions that surround the disease and its treatment.
“Just thinking back about Brent’s friends and his sister, it’s traumatic to have a friend who has this kind of mysterious illness,” Adams said.
LCH occurs when the body makes too many Langerhans cells, a type of immune cell (histiocyte) that usually helps fight infection. These extra cells can accumulate in various parts of the body, potentially causing tissue damage or forming tumors. LCH only affects five in a one million children. The disease is even rarer in adults, but it can occur.
In the case of Brent Adams, who was 17 months old when diagnosed, the disease caused a tumor behind his left eye and holes in the bones in his face and enlarged the ventricles of his brain. During more than eight years of treatment at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, he was on chemotherapy, received three different regimens of radiation, and had nine surgeries. He has been in remission for 24 years.
Adams’ first book, “Someone I Know Has Histio,” is unique in that it explores the feelings of those around the patient, how they can cope and be a good friend. It was written with the support of psychologists from Therapy Lab Kids, Los Angeles, where Adams’ daughter, Dr. Hilary Adams, is the clinical director.
“Hold On, Henry,” for children 3 through 6, tells the story of a histiocyte who means well but is overly eager about doing his job.
“Casey and the Messy Clean Up Crew” describes a typical patient’s journey from symptoms and diagnosis to remission.
“Hold On, Henry” and “Casey and the Messy Clean Up Crew” were designed and illustrated by Houston graphic designer and therapist Mary Boyles Carr.
To continue to provide the books for free, the Histiocytosis Association has set up a donation page at https://histio.donordrive.com/events/708.
Source: COPYBRIGHTERS LLC
