After her daughter’s cancer, a mother finds her own story

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – When Shauna Stice’s daughter, Hallie, was diagnosed with childhood cancer, the family was suddenly forced into a world they knew little about.

Stice said the diagnosis came as a shock. What the family initially thought were allergies and a runny nose led to more scans, additional testing and an uncertain wait before Hallie’s diagnosis and treatment plan were finalized. 

The family eventually spent much of 42 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation traveling to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Stice said the hospital became a source of security and hope for the entire family, providing housing and support throughout treatment. 

When treatment ended, Hallie was doing well and the family was grateful. But Stice said the end of treatment did not mean the end of the emotional toll.

Without a treatment schedule to focus on, she found herself consumed by fears about a possible relapse and the long-term effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

Stice said it took several years to work through those feelings. 

During that time, she began writing a book.

At first, Stice thought she was documenting Hallie’s story. Instead, she realized she was writing about her own experience and the personal growth that came from navigating her daughter’s cancer journey.

“I actually kind of grew into the person I think I was supposed to be all along,” Stice said. 

Stice said the experience helped her overcome self-doubt and discover a strength she did not know she had.

Her book focuses on the impact childhood cancer can have on an entire family, including parents and siblings. Stice hopes other families facing similar circumstances will recognize that fear, worry and uncertainty are normal parts of the experience.

“I hope they feel validated and understood,” Stice said. “I hope they realize that their fears and worries are not abnormal and that there is hope.” 

The book’s release was intentionally timed with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which begins Sept. 1. Stice said she hopes it can help bring more attention to childhood cancer research and fundraising. 

And if she could speak to the mother she was when Hallie was first diagnosed, Stice said she would offer just three words:

“Don’t give up hope.”

“A Work of Heart” is now available on Amazon.