Syd’s Book

Syd Birrell never intended to write a book but he did do everything that he could to keep friends, families and well wishers updated about James’ health as he battled the neuroblastoma that eventually claimed him in 2001 at the age of 8.

Syd started an email list to keep up with the requests for updates, and before long, the list had grown to tens of thousands of names and reached all corners of the globe. His emails chronicled the many adventures the family shared as they tried to pack a lot of living into what they knew was going to be James’ short life.

After James’ death, Syd received so many requests to publish a book, that he compiled the emails in a book called  “Ya Can’t Let Cancer Ruin Your Day – The James Emails,” which is now used as a teaching book in nursing and medical schools, and is a staple of many hospices and Ronald McDonald Houses.

“I wrote the book to honor James, to encourage other families to appreciate the time they have together, and to share my son with a world he left far too soon.  His spirited fight against cancer pulled us into situations we could never have imagined– events filled with astounding joy, epic sorrow and unexpected discoveries about faith and the true goodness that can come when you least expect it,” Birrell said.

With a foreword by Tom Hanks, star of James’ favorite film, “Apollo 13,” the book is the collection of intimate journals Syd wrote and shared with family and an ever growing list of friends throughout James’ five-year battle with the disease.

Tom Hanks, who is also the Honorary Patron of The James Fund, which fights neuroblastoma, has this to say about the book:  “And yes, some days and nights were so painful that you would not wish them on anyone.  But there are other times – magical days and God-given nights of love, beauty, laughter, and awe – that will make you wish that you were one of the Birrell family.”

The book is now available in the USA at Barnes & Noble/Borders, Inc./Ingram Book Company and on-line at www.amazon.com
It is also available across Canada at Chapters/Indigo/Smithbooks/Coles and on-line at www.indigo.ca

A portion of the proceeds will support the work of The James Fund.