by Gary Metivier

There is something about a child’s smile: that simple, naïve grin that is full of energy—full of life—full of unfiltered love and happiness.

Maybe that is why it touches me so much to see a child without a smile, children who are so sick they have to strain to manage a grin. Those images inspired me to write my first children’s book.  I fully understand I won’t cure cancer, I won’t end suffering, I won’t make tumors disappear—but I can do my part to try to bring a smile back.

Willie’s Wagon is a story about a seven year old boy trying to understand himself and his place in this world.   On this journey he learns that there is so much more to life than just what he needs.  He makes a discovery not just of a wagon—but of himself and what he can do for others.  Reaching out to help bring a smile to the faces of children fighting cancer becomes his mission.

It is a story that I hope will inspire healthy children to follow Willie's lead—or at least to better understand what they have to be thankful for.

Donations to Gilda's Club and Cancer Camp

Portions of the sales of this book will support Gilda’s Club’s very important children’s outreach program and help send kids with cancer to a special camp called The Heart Connection Summer Cancer Camp. Why send kids to camp? My interest in sending kids to camp stems from my enjoying camping with my own two sons. I want to help children who may not otherwise get the experience of camping. This special camp for children with cancer has a complete medical staff that can meet the needs of very sick children who get the rare chance to leave the hospital bed or their bedrooms to be like other kids—if only for a day or a week.

I hope you jump on the bandwagon—Willie’s Wagon. Buy your copy of Willie's Wagon today!