Today I'm Blogging for Regine...
Regine Stokke began her blog after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of Leukemia in 2008 at age seventeen. Her goal was to paint a realistic picture of what it's like battling a life-threatening illness-and to share her experience with the world. During 15 months Regine was sick and to her death she transformed from an average teenage girl, upset that she doesn't have a private hospital room, to a grateful and humble young woman with a deep appreciation for the beauty all around her.
Regine's Book: A Teen Girl's Last Words, new from Zest Books, is Regine's personal story as it was written on her blog and features her own photography and artwork, as well as comments from blog readers and entries from those who loved her most. The book deals with every facet of living with cancer, from the good days to the bad and everything in between. At an age when Regine's biggest concern should have been what dress she was going to wear to prom, she was worrying about whether or not the wig she wears looks natural and about all the things she may be leaving behind. "The fear of no longer existing never goes away," Regine confesses only a few months before her death. "I'm afraid to leave the world and I don't want to do it. I think about my family, and about my friends. I have to fight for them. I can't leave them behind with that sorrow. I have to try everything I can, despite how bleak everything looks."
My thoughts: In memory of Regine, and for everyone whose lives have been touched by cancer, I am joining up with ZestBooks and my fellow bloggers to put a face on this terrible disease and illuminates the importance of becoming a blood and bone marrow donor. This book! I have to admit that it is heartbreaking, but it is also so very necessary and important! As an educator/school librarian/mother, I have to tell you that there really isn't anything out there like this that I know of in publishing for young adults and tweens. She and her family are very open and honest about every single thing that they are experiencing from beginning to end. I certainly read books and experienced pieces of this in my life with adults that I knew, but not a child/teen. I cannot even begin to understand how a parent copes with this, not to mention the person themselves. Especially when the person is a child who has not, and never will,...graduate from college, buy their first home, walk down the aisle to get married, have children, etc. It's just so tragic. BUT, this book is also VERY informational too! I was fascinated by the definitions and explanations at the beginning about the process of diagnosis, the treatments, the side affects, etc. Such a good book.
One thing I thought about the whole time, was how HAPPY I was that I am already part of a wonderful and amazing club in my city, The Optimist Club. Optimist International, like other clubs for adults like the Lions Club, The Rotary Club, etc., has a large, main goal, purpose, of wiping out childhood cancer from the face of the earth. Everything we do is somehow connected to aiding in this struggle against this illness that is just so devastating in our lives. Our membership dues, our fundraising, all of it , in part or all, goes to help in the fight to cure childhood cancer. To learn more about our Childhood Cancer Campaign and Optimist International, click on the logo below or JUST ASK me and I'd be happy to chat with you about it! 
Follow us as we Blog for Regine...
Monday, November 26
Wednesday, November 28
Thursday, November 29
Friday, November 30
Saturday, December 1
Monday, December 3
Tuesday, December 4
Wednesday, December 5
Thursday, December 6
Friday, December 7
Zest Books has made a donation to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training in Regine's honor upon publication of Regine's Book. In addition to Optimist International, I urge you to consider supporting these incredible organizations in any way you can:
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Be the Match - National Bone Marrow Donor Program
DKMS - Register to become a bone marrow donor!
Gift of Life: Bone Marrow Foundation
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
Be the Match - National Bone Marrow Donor Program
DKMS - Register to become a bone marrow donor!
Gift of Life: Bone Marrow Foundation
ZestBooks has graciously offered a fabulous giveaway of the finished book, a bookmark, and Zest Books literacy poster as shown...
ENTER NOW TO WIN!
Hi! I'm a fellow blog tour stop for Regine's Book (my post goes up on Friday)!
ReplyDeleteI thought Regine's raw honesty - while overwhelming at times - helped to put so many things into perspective. It was definitely tough for me, due to personal experiences with cancer, but it's well worth taking the time to read and share with others.
I'm a big advocate for raising money for cancer and also just started a team on StandUp2Cancer.org - StandUp4Ohana is my team name, Ohana meaning family in Hawaiian (FYI, 100% of all donations goes straight to the cause through this organization). This year for Christmas, I donated money for all of my siblings in memory of our Mom and bought them t-shirts through the site. Such a good cause and money well spent!
Great post - so glad to be a part of this blog tour with you!
WOW! Very cool Erin! You rock!
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