From Cancer To Kinnick: Love Finds A Wave | Jeff Hoskins with Ava Hoskins | $19.99 | ISBN 9781948509251 | 116p | Memoir | Cancer | Inspiration |
On August 3, 2016, my nine year old daughter was rushed to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital and diagnosed with stage IV cancer. Though her treatment was a harrowing experience, it was punctuated by acts of love great and small, exemplified par excellence by the Kinnick Wave. I wrote this book as an honest and heartfelt look at having a child with cancer, how that led to an outpouring of love towards our family, and as a reminder that good things can come even in the worst of times. I believe the world could use a story like this right now.
An endearing account of a family’s loving wish to adopt a child from China, to care for a daughter and the support, hope, love, and inspiration they find all along the way.
“A father lays bare the emotional journey through his daughter’s fight with cancer. He takes you through how his faith, a great medical team and the goodness of people helped him cope with the overwhelming fear and despair. It is an inspiration to know any one of us can make a difference for children and families going through the worst of times”—Mary & Kirk Ferentz, University of Iowa Head Football Coach
“Sometimes a small gesture becomes an inspiration. It turns out when you combine—the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital with doctors, nurses, volunteers, coaches, players, patients, parents, and fans—with a simple wave the results are an enormous feeling of pure joy.”—Mary Joy & Jerre Stead, University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital
“Ava’s story is truly inspiring! Ava’s is one of the many reasons we dance—to ensure no family is on this journey alone.”—Anna Soergel, Asst. Director, UI Dance Marathon Programs
From Cancer to Kinnick: Love Finds a Wave provides an intimate and inspiring narrative of the cancer journey. Jeff provides an inspiring account of how faith and hope are crucial in the most difficult times.”—William W. Terry, MD, Medical Oncologist, Co-Director of the Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Program, UIHC
“Watching Ava continually push through all of the adversity has been an inspiration to all of her peers and staff that have watched her grow over the years.”—Mr. Jacob A. Smithers, Principal, Jordan Catholic School
“Jeff Hoskins has penned a profoundly moving and inspirational book.”—Jonathan Turner, QuadCities.com
Jeff Hoskins lives in Illinois but considers himself a common-law resident of Iowa. He worked for Iowa schools for over twenty years, had two children graduate from the University of Iowa, and has one who is a patient at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City. With three great kids, two good dogs, one beautiful wife, and zero tattoos, he would never be mistaken for The World’s Most Interesting Man. He does, however, consider himself the most blessed.
Author proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital.