Childhood Cancer

Questions answered. Experiences shared.

Our Childhood Cancer Guides are written by experts in pediatric oncology and feature personal stories from children with cancer and their families. There are five Childhood Cancer Guides and one pamphlet: Childhood Cancer Survivors, Genetic Testing and Childhood Cancer, Childhood Brain & Spinal Cord Tumors, Your Child in the Hospital, Childhood Cancer: A Parent’s Guide to Solid Tumor Cancers, and Childhood Leukemia.

Each guide features information about a variety of topics, such as:

  • Discussions on diagnoses and treatments
  • Suggestions for coping with the emotional and physical impacts of procedures
  • Stories from childhood cancer families

For additional information about what each guide offers, read the short descriptions below.

Childhood Cancer Survivors

A Practical Guide for Your Future, 4th ed.
By Lisa Bashore, PhD, APRN, and Joanne Quillen, MSN, APRN
Copyright 2026

There are estimated to be millions of childhood cancer survivors in the world, and this number is expected to continue to increase as survival rates improve. The surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and stem cell transplants used to cure children with cancer can affect growing bodies and developing minds. If survivors know about these potential problems, they can take steps to identify, cope with, and/or treat them early if they do develop. The 4th edition of Childhood Cancer Survivors weaves personal experiences from survivors and caregivers with updated information about: 

  • Late side effects of treatment 
  • Emotional aspects of surviving cancer 
  • Guidance for follow-up care 
  • Challenges with the healthcare system 
  • Lifestyle choices to maximize healing

We believe this book is a helpful resource for survivors as they continue to navigate life after a childhood cancer diagnosis.

Genetic Testing and Childhood Cancer

Precision Medicine, Biomarkers and Testing, Definitions and Terms
By Liron D. Grossmann, MD, and John M. Maris, MD
Copyright 2026

More and more often terms like “genetics” and “precision medicine” are used in pediatric cancer diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. These ideas are complex and ever evolving. Understanding the terminology and general concepts associated with this new way of thinking about pediatric cancer can be challenging. Genetic Testing and Childhood Cancer provides detailed information about:

  • Precision medicine
  • Genetic testing
  • Biomarkers
  • Diagnostic and prognostic testing

It is our hope that this short guide gives families a better understanding of how genetic testing is used for childhood cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Childhood Brain & Spinal Cord Tumors

A Guide for Family, Friends & Caregivers, 2nd ed.
By Tania Shiminski-Maher, Catherine Woodman, MD, and Nancy Keene
Copyright 2014

Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors in children. This guide focuses on various childhood brain and spinal cord tumors, including medulloblastoma, astrocytoma, primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET), brainstem gliomas, hypothalamic gliomas, atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT), ependymomas, craniopharyngiomas, germ cell tumors, and choroid plexis tumors. It highlights personal stories from children with brain and spinal cord tumors and their families, as well as discusses topics such as:

  • Understanding your child's diagnosis
  • Telling your family and friends
  • Finding the best treatment for your child
  • Coping with side effects
  • Identifying additional resources

We believe families facing a childhood brain or spinal cord cancer diagnosis will find this guide helpful. The third edition of this book will feature updated information and stories and will be published in 2027.

Praise for the guide: Childhood Brain & Spinal Cord Tumors

“I really can't say enough good things about this book. It is packed with helpful information that is current, accurate, and written at a level appropriate for most families. I highly recommend it.”– Cancer Librarians Section, Medical Library Association

“For parents, there are few childhood diagnoses more frightening than a brain tumor. This is exactly the book to have in that situation. It maintains a nice balance between providing solid clinical information and sharing stories of emotional support. Highly recommended for all public and health-related libraries.” – Library Journal, starred review and chosen as one of the “Best Consumer Health Books of the Year”

“This guide is a highly valuable resource for families of children with brain and spinal cord tumors. It not only provides reliable and practical information on a wide range of topics that are important for families, but shares essential perspectives and life lessons that best come from parents and children who have traveled these paths before.”– Peter Adamson, MD, Chair, Children’s Oncology Group

“This is a terrific book. It is well-written and easy to read; we recommend it to all who take care of children with these tumors — families and providers.”– Mary-Ann Zimmerman, RN, CPNP, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Liliana Goumnerova, MD, FAANS, Boston Children’s Hospital

“This is a wonderful resource for newly diagnosed families or those who have been managing a brain or spinal cord tumor for some time.”– Wade Iwata, LMSW, OSW-C, Social worker, Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, Association of Pediatric Oncology Social Workers

“This book provides an educational, supportive, and practical guide for those affected by the diagnosis of a child's brain or spinal cord tumor. As a physician and a member of a family that has been affected by cancer, I found this book incredibly insightful and valuable.”– Allison King, MD, Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri

“A must-read for those working in pediatric neuro-oncology. It is my go-to book to support patients and families dealing with this difficult diagnosis. The book is comprehensive and is given it to all our patients and families.” — Karen Jensen, LCSW, MSW, pediatric oncology social worker, Children’s Hospitals & Clinics of Minnesota

Your Child in the Hospital

A Practical Guide for Parents, 3rd ed.
By Nancy Keene
Copyright 2015

No parent likes to think about their child having to go to the hospital, but it happens. Whether a child needs stitches, outpatient surgery, or a long stay in the hospital, this guide helps parents and caregivers prepare themselves and their child. Along with personal stories from other parents of hospitalized children, this book describes:

  • Going to the emergency room
  • Coping with procedures
  • Planning for surgery
  • Communicating with doctors
  • Dealing with insurance and bills

We hope this book offers guidance to families preparing for their child’s time in the hospital.

Praise for the guide: Your Child in the Hospital

“Your Child in the Hospital is a practical book of tips and wisdom from veteran parents that will help make any hospital stay easier.”– Library Journal, Nursing Your Children’s Health Collection

“Your Child in the Hospital is an invaluable source of information for parents faced with the stress of a child in the hospital. Practical, lucid, comprehensive and beautifully organized.” – Jonathan Kellerman, PhD, Bestselling author and child psychologist

“This is the book that every parent lost in the crisis of a child medical emergency needs. If you have not been spared serious child injury or illness, you will cry with relief when you read it.”– Peggy O’Mara, Editor and Publisher of Mothering Magazine from 1980 to 2011

“Hospitalization can bring unique stresses to children and families. Your Child in the Hospital helps parents to prepare their child emotionally. This is a must read in support of successful outcomes.”– Joseph F. Hagan, MD, Pediatrician and professor of pediatrics, UVM College of Medicine

“This comprehensive book is a must-have for consumer collections.”– Medical Library Association, Consumer and Patient Health Information Section

“Author Nancy Keene included a chapter on school and highlighted the needs of siblings. She has placed the idea back in the minds of parents to include school nurses as part of the healthcare team.”– Deb Ilardi, RN BSN, Clinical Editor, School Nurse News www.schoolnursenews.org

“This slim volume contains a wealth of information in a clear, easy-to-read format … I highly recommend it for all consumer health collections and for parents of children hospitalized for any length of time.”– Medical Library Association, Newsletter of the Cancer Librarians Section

“When you are packing up the stuffed animals and pajamas to take to the hospital, make sure to take this book with you. Chock full of information about how to deal with testing, finances, siblings and schoolwork, this guide is handy and easy to read.”– Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“In a what-to-expect manner, this parent-centered guide offers concrete, useful insights into how hospitals function and how parents can comfortably become part of the process.”– Laura A. Jana, MD, Co-founder, the Dr. Spock Company

“This revised edition of a popular book contains simple, no nonsense advice on how to make hospitalizations easier for the whole family, whether a child is going to the hospital for stitches, outpatient surgery, or a longer stay.”– Our Children, The National PTA Magazine

“When your child is ill or injured, the hospital setting can be overwhelming. Here is a terrific roadmap to help keep families on track.”– James B. Fahner, MD, Division Chief, DeVos Children’s Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI

“In clear, easy-to-read text, this book provides valuable tips to assist both child and parent in coping with any hospital encounter. An excellent resource.”– Oncology Nursing Society

“This is a straightforward, useful book for anyone whose child is facing long-term or short-term hospitalization.”– Parents’ Press

“Written with sensitivity and common sense born of experience and knowledge, it offers solid, practical advice.”– Journal of Child-Care Administration

“For a parent, taking a child to the hospital and facing the uncertainties ahead can also be scary. Your Child in the Hospital is designed to make that time in the hospital a little easier for children and their parents.”– Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

“When their children are in the hospital, panicky parents need support––someone with helping hands and a caring heart. Helpful guidelines are offered in Your Child in the Hospital.”– Nashville Tennessean

“An excellent resource for any parent whose child must be hospitalized. It contains information on preparation for hospital visits, brief procedures and long term illnesses. Stories from parents give first hand advice.”– L.A. Parent

Childhood Cancer

A Parent’s Guide to Solid Tumor Cancers, 3rd ed.
By Anne Spurgeon and Nancy Keene
Copyright 2016

Solid cancers can occur in several places in the body, including the bones, organs, and muscles. There are two major types of solid tumors: sarcomas and carcinomas, and this guide covers neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, Wilms tumor (and other kidney tumors), hepatoblastoma (and other liver tumors), osteosarcoma (and other bone sarcomas), and rhabdomyosarcoma (and other soft tissue sarcomas). Featuring stories from childhood cancer families, it combines personal experiences with information about:

  • Understanding your child’s diagnosis and treatment options
  • Telling your family and friends
  • Coping with procedures and side effects
  • Identifying additional resources

We believe this book is a helpful resource for families facing a childhood solid tumor cancer diagnosis.

Praise for the guide: Childhood Cancer

“In this latest edition of the esteemed childhood cancer guide, parents of sick children will find the best information available ... VERDICT Comprehensive, encouraging, and pragmatic, this essential title belongs in all libraries.”– Library Journal, *starred* review 9-1-16

“Childhood Cancer is an invaluable resource for any family going through treatment and beyond. It is easy to understand, very thorough, and full of true stories from those who have gone down that scary road. This book is a gem!!”– Denise Maxson, American Childhood Cancer Organization Inland Northwest

“Never have I read a more beautifully written book about cancer. Simply amazing! I have been blessed by reading this priceless book; I cried, I laughed, I was encouraged, and I was further educated.”– Joy McLeod, MS, RN, CPNP, CHIS, The Emily Center Family Health Library at Phoenix Children’s Hospital

“This book should be not only in consumer health collections, it belongs in the hands of all those who care for children diagnosed with cancer. Childhood Cancer provides not just information, it offers wisdom. Highly recommended.”– Kate Cheromcha, Medical Library Association, Cancer Section

“Nancy Keene’s passion to EDUCATE people who are new to childhood cancers is AWESOME!!!”– Jonny Imerman, survivor and founder of Imerman Angels

“This remarkable, outstanding, and comprehensive guide offers rock-solid guidance to parents. A valuable and highly recommended addition to any library.”– Claire B. Joseph, MS, MA, AHIP, Medical Library Association Newsletter

“Childhood Cancer is highly recommended for libraries in children's hospitals and institutions treating children with cancer.”– Deborah Magnan, PT, MLIS, AHIP, Medical Library Association Hospital Library Section Newsletter

“This is one of the most well-crafted, honest and sensitive resources I’ve encountered...I do not believe it is too far of a stretch to say this amazing resource for parents could have meaningful impact on the outcome of a child’s cancer care.”– Ted Varkas, MSW, LMSW, Association of Oncology Social Work Newsletter (AOSW Navigator June 2017)

“This practical guide will empower parents to understand the disease better and participate more actively in the treatment process. Recommended for all consumer health collections.”– Library Journal

“In my 15 years of experience as a pediatric oncology nurse, I have never come across a book as informative, easy-to-read, honest, and encouraging as Childhood Cancer. Childhood Cancer will truly empower those who read it to be better advocates for their children. I am recommending this book to all the pediatric oncology nurses, social workers, and family support personnel I know.” – Pediatrics Special Interest Group Newsletter, Oncology Nursing Society

“Childhood Cancer offers invaluable information and hope to families whose journey has just begun. A must read for parents of children with solid tumors.”– Ruth Hoffman, Executive Director, American Childhood Cancer Organization (formerly Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation)

“Having a child diagnosed with cancer is an emotional time that often leaves a family feeling helpless and without control. Written by parents who have walked in the shadow of childhood cancer, this book provides detailed information, open-armed support, and the arsenal of tools needed to fight the battle that lies ahead.” – Clarke Anderson, M.D., Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

“Childhood Cancer is an exceptional resource for parents who are forced to navigate the complex world of childhood cancer. It is invaluable for all family members.”– Eleanor Pask RN, MScN, EdD, Executive Director, Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation ~ Canada

“We are eternally grateful for the invaluable information and advice found in this book! For us, a source of personal knowledge of osteosarcoma is very limited to the general public. … This project is truly a gift of guidance, hope, and comfort. Not only would I recommend it for any one in need, but it definitely should hold a proud place on the book shelf of every pediatric facility.”– Cheryl, Michael, and Shoshana Tobias (one of dozens of thank-you letters received by the authors)

“I am a physician and the parent of a child with cancer. The toll that pediatric cancer takes on families is unquantified, but includes physical and psychiatric illness in the child and in family members, divorce, and tremendous financial stress. Having a resource for coping with all the hardships is the first step toward putting the world back together, and Nancy Keene’s books are the best solution I have found.”– Catherine L. Woodman, MD, and parent of a childhood cancer survivor, University of Iowa, Departments of Psychiatry and Family Medicine

Childhood Leukemia

A Guide for Families, Friends & Caregivers, 5th ed.
By Nancy Keene
Copyright 2018

Leukemia is the most common form of childhood cancer. There are several types and sub-types of leukemia, and this guide covers acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). Featuring stories from childhood leukemia patients and their families, this book also contains essential information that families and friends need after diagnosis, including:

  • Understanding your child’s cancer diagnosis
  • Choosing the best treatment for your child
  • Coping with side effects
  • Identifying additional resources

We hope this guide offers support and encouragement to families with children who have been diagnosed with leukemia.

Praise for the guide: Childhood Leukemia

“A must-have resource for families of childhood leukemia patients and all library ­collections.”Library Journal *starred review*

“This book is an extraordinary resource … the reader will find clear, concise, and understandable information … And even more powerfully, the reader will ‘hear’ the voices of parents who share their experiences.”– Kathy Ruccione, MPH, PhD President, Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses

“Childhood Leukemia is informative, realistic, and accurate. The author handles the topic with transparency, compassion, and a genuine desire to get factual and helpful information into the hands of those going through this disease with their child.”National Network, newsletter of the Hospital Libraries section of the Medical Library Association

“Childhood Leukemia leaves no stone unturned when helping readers understand what to expect. Using an empathetic approach, it is written in clear, comprehensive language. I recommend that this book become a part of any library’s consumer or health care collection.”– Newsletter of the Nursing and Allied Health Resources (NAHRS) section of the Medical Library Association

“This book offers rock-solid guidance to parents faced with the life-altering news that their child has leukemia. Keene offers guidance and comfort on their difficult journey. This work is highly recommended as a valuable addition to any library.”Consumer Connection, newsletter of the Consumer & Patient Health Information section (CAPHIS) of the Medial Library Association

“Keene has written a comprehensive handbook to serve as a road map for others, from diagnosis through treatment."Library Journal, starred review and chosen for ”Nursing Your Children’s Health Collection

“This most complete parent guide available covers not only detailed and precise medical information about leukemia and the various treatment options from chemotherapy to bone marrow transplantation, but also day-to-day practical advice.”– F. Leonard Johnson, M.D. Chief, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Oregon Health Sciences University

“This wonderful book is an informative addition to the House library, and one we will recommend wholeheartedly. By providing this resource to the children and families staying here, you enable them to find a bit of hope and peace of mind in a time of great difficulty and confusion.”– Peggy Enright, House Director, Boston Ronald McDonald House

“Of all the many kinds of help we had (and we had lots) Childhood Leukemia was the single best gift we received. It was the gift of knowledge, so we could ask intelligent questions about our daughter's care. It was the gift of security, allowing us to foresee much of what was coming, and giving us the tools we needed to cope. And it was the gift of hope, for we could see that many children do, indeed, get through this trying time, and come through the grueling treatment intact.”– Kim Warren, parent of a child with leukemia (one of dozens of thank-you letters sent to the author)

“I am the great grandmother to a little four-year-old girl who...has the type of leukemia known as ALL ... I am 90 years old and was a bookseller for 25 years ... Your book is so complete and so helpful in every way, that I couldn’t resist sending you my compliments for writing it. Bless you.”– Alice H. Sobey (one of dozens of thank-you letters sent to the author)

How to Use the Childhood Cancer Guides

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s Childhood Cancer Guides are helpful resources for childhood cancer families. We’ve combined important information about diagnoses, treatments, procedures, coping mechanisms, survivorship, and more with personal stories from children and their loved ones so that newly diagnosed childhood cancer families can feel prepared and supported when starting treatment.

The cancer-specific guides are organized in a way that parallels most families’ journeys. They start with a chapter about receiving a cancer diagnosis, followed by chapters about choosing treatment options, coping with procedures, communicating with medical staff, and more. However, each chapter in the books can stand alone, so you can skip sections and only read the chapters you feel are most relevant to you at this moment in time.

When collecting stories from childhood cancer families, we wanted to emphasize the variety of experiences a child may have when undergoing treatment. Every child sails smoothly through some portions of treatment but encounters difficulties during others. Only a fraction of the problems that parents describe will affect your child. We hope these guides will offer you a better understanding of the variability of cancer experiences so that you can offer support to your own child as well as to other families you meet with differing diagnoses and circumstances.

We hope these guides are helpful resources for childhood cancer families as well as extended family members, caregivers, friends, and other loved ones. You can view the ebook version of each guide by clicking “Read This Guide.” If you are a childhood cancer family, you can request a free PDF version by clicking “Request a PDF Version” or a physical copy by clicking “Request a Printed Version.” If you are not a childhood cancer family but would like a physical copy, you can purchase one from Alex's Shop.