What Happens Now?

By 2040, there will be close to 30 million Americans who are cancer survivors. These survivors are people who have lived more than 5 years since they were diagnosed. Some of these people might have been cured, or are in remission. But others will still be living with their cancer, whether or not they continue receiving treatment. Even beyond a cancer diagnosis, millions of adults may be living or managing a different life-limiting illness. Whatever the cause, this period of survivorship can be challenging for the patient and their family and friends. It can be especially confusing for young children. What Happens Now? A Children's Guide to Living When a Loved One is Dying can help children better understand what survivorship means by sharing answers to important questions, including: What happens when an adult close to you gets very sick? What does it mean when cancer comes back? What happens if treatment doesn’t work? and How do I act when someone I love is dying? The book also includes common vocabulary and definitions, and space for children to write and draw. Written by Robin Hopkins, illustrated by me, and published by Johns Hopkins University.