Interview with author Destiny De Jesus

1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

A diagnosed Retinoblastoma that was atypical for her age magnified the then 11-year-old Destiny Flood-DeJesus’s challenge of being a preteen. Now an adult and cancer-free for 20 years, Destiny didn’t want other kids in similar situations to look far to read about someone who looked or came from similar backgrounds as them.

2. What is your inspiration behind your book “A Little Superhero Fights Cancer”?

When Destiny, a mixed-race Latina, was treated for cancer, her parents couldn’t find books or websites that would explain her illness to her in language a young person could understand. There was no one at home to tell her what to expect or live with the limitations of being a sick kid.

3. When did you realize you want to be an author?

In a way, Destiny still feels like that little girl and hopes with her story – her book – that other kids know it’s ok to be afraid if they’re sick. It’s ok to be silly and dance one minute and be scared the next.

4. Please tell us something about your book “A Little Superhero Fights Cancer”?

“A Little Superhero Fights Cancer” is a deeply personal book that chronicles my own journey of battling cancer at the tender age of 11. In this heartfelt children’s book, I share my story of resilience, strength, and hope, aiming to inspire and support other children who may be facing similar challenges.

Through the eyes of a little superhero, readers are taken on a courageous adventure, witnessing the ups and downs of a cancer battle. The book emphasizes the importance of bravery, determination, and the unwavering support of loved ones throughout the healing process.

By sharing my personal experience, I aim to provide comfort and encouragement to young readers who may be undergoing their own cancer treatments or supporting someone they care about. The book serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we all possess a superhero within us, capable of fighting against the toughest challenges life throws our way.

5. For which age group is your book “A Little Superhero Fights Cancer” suitable for?

“A Little Superhero Fights Cancer” is a book that caters to a wide range of audiences and is suitable for various age groups. It offers something for everyone.

For young readers who are able to read independently, the book provides an empowering and relatable story of a little superhero facing and overcoming the challenges of cancer. It is written in a language that is accessible and engaging for children, allowing them to connect with the protagonist’s journey and find inspiration in their own lives.

For parents or caregivers, the book serves as a valuable tool to read and discuss with their children. It opens up conversations about cancer, illness, and resilience, fostering understanding and empathy in young minds. By reading together, parents can support and comfort their children, addressing any questions or concerns that may arise.

Moreover, “A Little Superhero Fights Cancer” can also be a resource for adults seeking information, support, and resources related to cancer. It offers insights into the emotional and physical challenges faced by those battling cancer, providing a source of comfort, hope, and encouragement for individuals on their own cancer journey or those supporting someone they care about.

By encompassing multiple perspectives and addressing various age groups, the book aims to create a shared experience that unites readers of different backgrounds and ages. It emphasizes the importance of community, understanding, and compassion in the face of adversity.

In summary, “A Little Superhero Fights Cancer” is a book that transcends age boundaries and speaks to the hearts of young readers, parents, and adults alike. It provides a platform for learning, healing, and finding solace in the midst of life’s challenges.

6. What is your favorite Quote?

The quote “what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger” may indeed come across as cheesy or cliché, but it carries a profound and true significance. While its origins can be traced back to Friedrich Nietzsche, its essence resonates with the human experience of overcoming adversity and growing stronger in the process.

At first glance, the quote suggests that surviving difficult or challenging experiences can lead to personal growth and resilience. It acknowledges that life can present us with hardships, obstacles, and even traumatic events that test our strength and resilience. These trials may range from physical illness to emotional struggles, from setbacks in our careers to personal losses.

When we encounter such challenges and manage to endure them, we often find ourselves transformed in some way. We tap into our inner reservoirs of strength, courage, and determination that we may not have realized were within us. We learn valuable lessons about our own capabilities and discover untapped potential, which ultimately enables us to face future difficulties with greater resolve.

Moreover, these experiences can shape our character, building empathy, compassion, and understanding. They offer an opportunity for personal reflection and growth, allowing us to reevaluate our priorities, values, and goals. The adversity we face becomes a catalyst for self-discovery and personal development.

While the quote may not guarantee that every difficult experience will result in immediate and evident growth, it reminds us to find meaning in our struggles. It urges us to view challenges not as insurmountable barriers but as opportunities for growth, learning, and self-improvement.

However, it is important to note that the quote should not undermine or dismiss the genuine pain, suffering, or trauma that individuals may endure. It is not meant to diminish the gravity of difficult experiences but rather to emphasize the potential for personal growth and strength that can arise from them.

(Fun Fact) I also have this as a tattoo on me. 🙂

7. What do you like the most about your country?

I appreciate the diversity and cultural richness that exists in America.

8. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
   Developing a reading habit in children is a wonderful way to foster their imagination, curiosity, and language skills. Maybe Create a Reading-Friendly Environment. By designating a cozy reading corner or a special reading nook in their home where their child can retreat to immerse themselves in books. Make sure it’s well-stocked with a variety of age-appropriate books that cater to their interests and reading level.
9. What does literary success look like to you?
   Literary success, to me, transcends traditional measures of fame or fortune. It resides in the profound impact a book can have on a person’s life, even if it touches just one individual. For me, true success lies in making a genuine difference in someone’s heart, mind, or soul through the power of storytelling.

As an author, my deepest hope is that my book touches the lives of many readers, inviting them into a world where they find solace, inspiration, or a renewed sense of hope. If my words can evoke emotions, spark introspection, or provide comfort to even a single person, I consider that a triumph.

Literary success means forging a connection, reaching beyond the pages to touch the depths of a reader’s being. It’s about creating a profound impact that lingers long after the book is closed, stirring conversations, sparking newfound perspectives, or even encouraging personal growth.

Whether my words provide an escape from reality, shed light on unexplored truths, or offer a fresh perspective on life’s challenges, I aspire to make a positive difference in someone’s life. Knowing that my book has resonated with even a solitary reader and touched their heart is a testament to the power of storytelling, and to me, it signifies true success.

10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

My inspiration in life is deeply rooted in my own personal journey as a young cancer survivor. When I reflect on my childhood battle with a rare form of cancer, I realize that I lacked the resources and support that would have helped me navigate the emotional and confusing aspects of my illness. It is from this perspective, the little me who longed for guidance and understanding, that my inspiration stems.

Writing “A Little Superhero Fights Cancer” became my way of giving back to all the other brave young souls like me, who faced the ugliness and messiness of cancer. I wanted to create something that would provide comfort, guidance, and hope to these little superheroes going through their own difficult times. The inspiration for my book comes from the desire to be the big me that the little me needed back then.

Cancer is a formidable opponent, and its impact on a child can be particularly overwhelming. Through my book, I aim to offer a resource that can help young readers navigate the emotional complexities of their own battles. By sharing my personal story, I hope to provide them with a sense of understanding, resilience, and the knowledge that they are not alone.

The true inspiration behind my work lies in the countless Destinys, Jacobs, and Emilys out there—children who confront the harsh realities of cancer. They are the reason I poured my heart into this book. My aspiration is that “A Little Superhero Fights Cancer” serves as a guiding light, a companion, and a source of strength for all those young superheroes who need something to help them through their difficult times.

My inspiration is firmly grounded in the belief that every child facing cancer deserves support, understanding, and the reassurance that they possess an inner strength capable of overcoming even the toughest challenges. It is for them that I wrote this book, hoping to make their journey a little brighter and their burdens a little lighter.

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