Boy writes book about mother's cancer

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- A 9-year-old boy has written a children's book about his mother's treatment for breast cancer.

James "Trey" Rawlins III, a fourth grader at Edgewood Magnet School in New Haven, wrote the book to help other families going through a similar experience.

Rawlins was four when doctors first detected his mother's breast cancer and it was hard for him to understand what it would be like when she underwent treatment.

His mother had looked for a children's book to explain what they were about to go through but couldn't find one, so by age 8, Rawlins wrote a children's book himself.

Trey and his mother, Veronica Marion-Rawlins, are now celebrating the book's publication and will be signing copies of "When Mommy Had Cancer."

Proceeds from book sales will be used to donate additional copies to other moms battling cancer, especially those with children ages 4-7.

Trey's mother was diagnosed in 2007, underwent six cycles of chemotherapy, and had surgery at Yale-New Haven Hospital in 2008. According to a press release, Trey's book describes how his mother "would see Nurse Karen for her treatments...she'd sit in a big comfy chair...eat treats and snacks and sometimes do her nails. I wasn't able to go with mommy so I waited until she came home." When his mom was home but was "sleepy and tired" from the treatments, Trey writes he would nap with her on the couch.

"When Mommy Had Cancer" is illustrated by Jean Marie Sanchez of Hamden, a children's book writer and illustrator.

Trey's mother published the book herself but is looking for other publishing opportunities.

The book signing event is Thursday Nov. 15, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Connecticut Center for Arts and Technology at 4 Science Park, New Haven.

The reception costs $15, including one signed copy of the book.

Signed books are $10 each and are available for donation or purchase anytime by contacting Marion-Rawlins at (203) 503-7552 or veronica.marion@waldenu.edu.