How BOWREGARDE was born...

Bowregarde was written by Fran Creegan, my mother-in-law. She passed away from pancreatic cancer nine months after my wife and her daughter, Kathie, passed away from breast cancer. Their courage, charisma and zest for life continues to inspire all they came in contact with. I stumbled upon this charming handwritten story shortly after Fran passed away. I had no knowledge that Fran had written this gift for our nine year-old son, Austin. In memory of Fran and Kathie, I decided to publish this treasure with the hope that the book would be a tribute to both ladies and that the proceeds generated by the sales of this book would someday help contribute to a cure for what took these two remarkable women away from us.

BOWREGARDE

BOWREGARDE is a little mouse with a very BIG name on a very SPECIAL mission.

BOWREGARDE’S mission is to bring understanding, hope and laughter to children undergoing cancer treatment as well as children living with someone who has cancer.

BOWREGARDE’S mission through book sales is to raise funds that contribute to the well being of young children and their families and for funding of research and development in pursuit of a cure.

BOWREGARDE in his many travels and adventures and through his many friendships brings heart warming yet meaningful insight to his young readers and their parents or guardians. His colorful adventures describe with child like perspective some of the details of treatment to ease any pre procedural anxieties that children may have. His stories help bring an understanding of the complexities that surround a loved one undergoing treatment of cancer. He has traveled the many hallways of doctor’s offices, infusion centers, hospitals and clinics. He has climbed up IV towers and run through CT/CAT scan machines. He has walked through laboratories and played in the many rooms of big hospitals. He is a friendly mouse that has formed many friendships. He is a courageous mouse that has traveled to many places, some of which were scary, some not. But if a little mouse can do it, so can the children that read and enjoy his company and his many mouse tales.

The BOWREGARDE series of stories will be available to oncologists and their staff as a resource to help communicate with their young patients on the many issues they will face. The stories will provide medical staff and parents an accessible and friendly bridge of communication on what many times are difficult topics of discussion or explanation. The illustrations and adventures will depict the equipment or procedure needed for treatment and the “ adventure “ in a positive yet informative light. A check out sheet is used much like a library, and the young reader is encouraged to take the book home or to their room for reading. Parents and medical staff should read along and encourage questions that children may have to promote a strong line of communication. Some BOWREGARDE stories are light-hearted mouse tales that have no medical ties. This will allow children to engage BOWREGARDE as an accessible character that happens to love adventure and making friends.

POCKET “BO" is a soft four-inch stuffed animal mouse made available to children to bring comfort to them in their time of need. Due to the small size of POCKET “BO", BO can travel with these children into doctor’s offices, infusion centers, etc. This companion mouse can easily fit into a pant pocket. He wears a backpack for his many adventures and his many travels. His backpack is constructed as a pouch that also fills a very important need. Children are encouraged to place small notes or drawings in his backpack that describe their fears, frustrations or anxieties. Parents and guardians are now provided with insights into their children’s state of mind as well as given the opportunity to discuss topics brought on by the little paper communications.