A father has written a children’s picture book to help explain his brain tumour diagnosis to his three-year-old son.
Aria Nikjooy, a trainee paediatric doctor, was diagnosed with a grade 4 cerebellum medulloblastoma in November 2018, aged 27. Following his diagnosis, he underwent surgery and was treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
In March 2020, as the UK was preparing to go into lockdown, Aria received the devastating news that the tumour had come back and he need a second brain surgery. Just months later, in July, a routine MRI scan revealed further tumour recurrence and Aria required a third operation and more radiotherapy treatment.
As part of his recovery and rehabilitation, Aria turned to writing. Inspired by his son, he wrote a children’s book to help explain his diagnosis and illness to his little boy.
Eddie and the Magic Healing Stone tells the story of Eddie the dinosaur and Larry the lion. It aims to gently introduce the concept of illness in a parent, but is also an entertaining story for young children, full of magic and silly characters.
Eddie and the Magic Healing Stone is now available for £6.95. You can purchase a copy here.
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