Cancer survivor writes children's books on difficult topics
More than six years ago, cancer survivor Ryan Arnold says he was certain he was going to die.
In 2015, the now Sault resident was diagnosed with a major tumour in his brain, known as Glioblastoma Multiforme, the most aggressive form of brain cancer.
Doctors told him that he would be gone by the summer of 2016.
After multiple unsuccessful rounds of treatment, specialists were shocked that in early 2020 the tumour was completely gone, s Arnold said Wednesday.
“They kind of put their hand on me and said, 'Ryan, we've never seen anything like this, it's a miracle from God.'"
Arnold began writing as part of his recovery in 2018 and eventually it became therapeutic. He saw it as a way to communicate with his then-young daughter, for when she grew up.
"This was my way of speaking to her from the grave," he said.
The cancer survivor has written nine books, all of which are at the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library. A number of them cover some difficult topics.
“There aren’t a lot of books out there at all that really talked about critical, terminal illness, from a family member death, in a children's area,” Arnold said.
Library CEO Matthew MacDonald said the books are a great addition to their selection.
“He’s written them in a way that’s much easier to understand some of these very difficult concepts for young ages,” MacDonald said.
Arnold's first series, 'I'd Give You My Last Hop,' was written for his daughter.
“Kind of a map to how I wanted her to be raised and to look at, and to have those morals," he said.
"A lot of them talk about standing up to bullying, and a lot of them talk about not looking at people that are different as less than you.”
The author doesn't make any money from his books, with all of the copies at the local library being donated.
He even pays out of pocket to get the stories illustrated.
It costs him roughly $700 for the books to get illustrated and printed, and he said he has multiple stories written, and is waiting until he can save up funds, or receive donations to have them published.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.