Introduction

Childhood cancer survivor Melinda Marchiano eloquently and humorously describes her journey through illness and recovery. Her story starts as she begins to feel ill, and we follow each step of her physical downfall as she struggles to continue to dance ballet, her greatest passion. At 14 years old, Melinda shares not only the events of her illness, but her thoughts, deep feelings and growing spirituality through operations, chemotherapy, radiation, drug reactions, an eating disorder and more. Your heart will be filled with the same grace Melinda cherished through her illness and your life will never be the same.

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Excerpt

ONE
It was June 2007, and my family and I were on vacation in beautiful Yosemite National Park. We had just set out for the day, our destination—the top of Yosemite Falls. The twelve-and-a-half-mile hike started in a small campground and wound through gorgeous forests, flowering meadows, and massive rock formations before reaching the top of the famous falls. My mom, dad, two brothers, and I were all excited and ready for adventure. As we started off on the long hike, I began to realize how weak I felt. How could I feel so tired? I danced multiple days a week and was in great physical shape. I became slightly frustrated as my dad and I brought up the rear. Normally, I would be skipping out in front, not shoved to the back by a simple hill climb. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

From the publisher:

1. The author of Grace, Melinda Marchiano, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma when she was thirteen years old. She was a young woman who struggled through various treatments, fought to continue her study of dance, and wrote diligently throughout her illness. What do you feel was her greatest inspiration? What would you have done in her position?

2. Melinda had to go through a period of several misdiagnosis before her doctors were finally able to determine the cause of her sudden illness. She writes that it was a trying time, and she suffered extreme stress. Have you ever been through a period similar to Melinda's? If so, how did you deal with the impatience and the pressure of the situation?

3. Melinda's mother has been her closest ally, friend, and ever-present guardian throughout her battle with cancer. Have you ever had a parent, friend, or guardian who you could depend on for everything? How have they affected your life?

4. One of Melinda's favorite moments from the hospital was receiving warm blankets as a luxury before every Chemo treatment. Have you ever had something, whether it be a toy, or object, that provides you with a sense of comfort and relief? If so, what was it?

5. There are numerous inspirational quotes spread throughout the novel, reminders from Melinda's battle with Hodgkin Lymphoma. Do you have a specific inspirational quote that has taken you through difficult times as well? What is it?

6. Nicknames play a big part in the novel, especially evident with Melinda's brothers call her "Quail." Do you have any nickname? How did you obtain the nicknames you have, and why are they unique to you?

7. Shortly after her first chemotherapy treatment, Melinda began to lose her hair. After doing a "science experiment" to make the process turn into a more interesting one, she began to feel better about what has happening to her body. Have you ever been through a difficult time, but were able to do something about it that changed the way it originally affected you? If so, what did you do?

8. One of Melinda's favorite sayings while going through the cancer treatment process and chemotherapy, is "Cancer is 20% physical, and 80% mental." Have you ever experienced a situation where you felt that you had to work harder to convince yourself to complete a task or project rather than having your body do the actual work? If so, when?

9. Melinda reminds her readers constantly never to talk walking or breathing for granted. Is there something in your life that you feel you take for granted, or take advantage of? If so, what is it?

10. One of the few things that made Melinda smile during her battle with cancer was being able to have Larry, the family dog, sit on her bed with her during the "hard times." Have you ever felt that an animal or a pet can make you feel better? Are you close with your own pets?

Weblinks

»	Official web site for Grace
»	Interview with author Melinda Marchiano
»	Reader Responses
»	Author's "Oprah 4 Kids' Cancer" Page

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