Strong Like Leo: A Story About Cancer & Courage

YOU DON'T NEED A MANE TO BE MIGHTY!

Leo is a playful little lion who loves to run, roar, and explore. But when cancer changes his world, Leo wonders if he can still be brave. With the love of his family, new friendships, and courage that grows each day, he discovers that true strength has been inside him all along.

Inspired by her experiences with children and families in a pediatric hematology-oncology clinic during her third year of medical school, author Andie Blankenstein gently introduces childhood cancer through comforting rhymes, beautiful illustrations, and an uplifting message of resilience, kindness, and hope.

A reassuring story for every child—and everyone who loves them.

"Blankenstein gives childhood cancer a language young readers can understand and hold onto." — CANREADS Book Review

Words from Pediatric Oncology Professionals

"A cancer diagnosis can be one of the hardest challenges a pediatric patient and their family will ever face, and I have seen firsthand the positive impact that connections and a sense of community among pediatric oncology patients can have on their care and overall well-being. These friendships are especially meaningful because they are built on a shared understanding of the cancer journey, allowing patients to support one another through difficult treatments while also celebrating important milestones, such as ringing the end-of-treatment bell.”

—Dr. Erin Goode, DO

Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist, DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan

"Childhood cancer is very rare, and most families haven’t met (or often, even known of) another child with cancer in their local community. However, I’ve also seen how children going through these experiences come together—as do their families—in really wonderful, amazing, and uplifting ways. In our clinic, in the hospital, and in social get-togethers we sometimes organize for children going through cancer treatment, these children and their families connect in ways that most other children never will, providing support and a sense of togetherness that is part of what I absolutely love about being a pediatric oncologist!"

—Jonathan M. Marron, MD, MPH, HEC-C

Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's, Harvard Medical School

Words from Young Patients and Their Families

“Our son was only three years old when he was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, but even at that age, the friendships he formed with other children during chemotherapy, hospital stays, and radiation became something incredibly special ... While cancer brought us together, it is the community, compassion, and lasting friendships that continue to carry us forward long after treatment has ended.”

—Mother of five-year-old with Rhabdomyosarcoma

“When I go to the hospital, I get to see my friends. Sometimes we don’t feel good, but we still have fun together on our iPads. It’s better when we see each other outside the hospital at karate, basketball, and camp. That’s way more fun.”

—Five-year-old with B cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia