LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW ABOUT HER BOOK AND TANIA'S PERSONAL EXPERIENCE NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF HEMANGIOMAS ON "YOUR FAMILY'S HEALTH" RADIO SHOW & PODCAST. LISTEN HERE.
THE LADYBUG WITHOUT SPOTS
When a young ladybug questions why she was born without spots, she soon realizes what makes her different is what makes her special. She quickly seizes the opportunity to celebrate the most special children by latching onto them and leaving her bright red mark on the world.
This spirited story fosters compassion, confidence and understanding to children with hemangiomas and those who know them. The message behind the story is a universal one:
Celebrate what makes you different and let your light shine.
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The Ladybug Without Spots is a heartwarming gift for children with hemangiomas as well as their siblings, cousins or friends! Click on the link above to order your copy!
A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR
At about 3 months old, my daughter, Dakota, was diagnosed with 5 infantile hemangiomas, the most obvious of which was a bright red, growing spot on her nose. While she had more notable ones on her arm and her neck, the one on her face solicited the most attention because it was always visible. Like any parent facing an unfamiliar diagnosis, I immediately began to research as much as I could to better understand what exactly a hemangioma would mean for my daughter.
Throughout my investigation, I couldn't help but notice that all of the information available was geared toward adults, yet the questions I received about Dakota's hemangioma primarily came from children: "What's wrong with her nose?" "Why does she have a red spot?" "How did she get a booboo on her nose?" Full disclosure: I've always loved kids and their unabashed sense of curiosity. I also knew the adults that accompanied them probably bore the same curiosity, but in most cases refrained from commenting, maybe out of fear of feeling impolite or uncomfortable.
In my efforts to answer, I found that I was able to clearly explain a hemangioma to any adult, however, when it came to an open-minded, curious kid... I'd fumble. Soon thereafter, I started looking for kid-friendly explanations of hemangiomas and needless to say, my search came up short. An opportunity was sparked to educate in a light-hearted, colorful way that appealed to the vivid imaginations and open-minds of the tiny tots who wanted to know why Dakota has a red mark on her nose. And so, a short poem I had written for Dakota about her "strawberry mark" evolved into the The Ladybug Without Spots.
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It's worth mentioning that infantile hemangiomas come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and can be found just about anywhere on the body. While most are harmless, some may pose substantial issues that require medical treatment, including surgery. The Ladybug Without Spots is not a literal representation of what a hemangioma looks like, so much as it is a figurative one. There is no universal image of what a hemangioma "should" look like. What is universal is the beaming, beautiful, and magnetic light that each child affected by hemangiomas possesses.
It shines right through the hearts of the people who love them most.
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"You are strong, you are brave, so let your light shine." -The Ladybug Without Spots
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In peace & good health, Tania
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I love hearing from other parents and people whose lives have been touched by a child with a hemangioma. While everyone's personal story differs, sharing our stories will raise awareness and strengthen our community.
Please drop me a line and I will happily write back! :)