Spurred by the diagnosis of a loved one, Leanne Chan decided to write a book to help people eat and live well while dealing with cancer treatment and recovery.
Chan, who lives in Vancouver, was inspired by Nanaimo resident Darren Pedersen. He was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer, just a few months after receiving news his sister had a brain cancer tumour.
It seemed everywhere the Chan turned, she was becoming more aware of the widespread impact cancer was having on people's lives.
“When the love of my life was diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal and colorectal cancer, I want on red alert to the growing epidemic of cancer,” said Chan on her website.
Chan was seeking guidance, but couldn't find the tools she wanted to help Pedersen. Instead she took matters into her own hands and wrote him a lifestyle guide, writing to him everyday with ideas for nutrition, exercise and mindfulness techniques to help him recover. Pedersen underwent radiation, chemotherapy and two surgeries during his treatment.
The book is meant to be a guide for people living with a stoma, compromised digestive system or Colitis and Crohn's disease.
Chan's book is Health the Way Nature Intended: Your complete guide to eating and living well with a stoma. Celebrity food stylist JoAnne Strongman and food photographer Bruce Law donated their time to make the project become a reality.
Proceeds from the book will be donated to help individuals and families fighting cancer.
For more information about the book or to order it, please go to www.thecancerstore.ca or www.healththewaynatureintended.com.