Savannah Brooks introduces her senior project, a children's book called "Jessica's Journey" about a young cancer patient. She wrote the book to educate others about pediatric leukemia after researching the topic for her senior project. Through her research and interviews with medical professionals, she was able to develop the story and gain a better understanding of treating pediatric cancer. While initially reluctant about the time commitment, Savannah realized the project provided valuable networking opportunities and helped her refine her career goals in pediatric oncology. She hopes sharing the story will bring awareness to finding a cure.

1. 1550 Owens Store Road
Canton, GA 30115
April 19, 2012
Judges, Senior Project
Creekview High School
1550 Owens Store Road
Canton, GA 30115
Dear Judges:
My name is Savannah Brooks, and it is my pleasure to introduce you to The Faces of Pediatric
Cancer, my senior project. This topic is a strong reflection upon my long-term career goal of
working as a medical professional in the field of pediatric oncology. I dream of obtaining a
specialist’s degree in the treatment of blood cancers, and working for Children’s Healthcare of
Atlanta. This project afforded me the opportunity to interact with professionals in a number of
related fields and to, ultimately, create my final product. Jessica’s Journey, a children’s book
about a young cancer patient, is the culmination of my efforts throughout this past year.
For my senior project, I learned about the full scope of care required to treat pediatric leukemia
and wrote a children’s book which serves to educate young minds about the disease.
The information I attained through completing my research paper became the backbone of the
work, offering insight into the medical challenges and clinical choices available to young cancer
patients. Once the research paper was completed, the true challenge to my timid nature began. I
had to overcome my shyness in order to interview medical personnel and begin to develop a
rapport with Jessica. Success came, eventually. As it turns out, the subject of my book so
touched the photo shop worker who was reproducing it that I was immediately offered a
generous, unsolicited discount on the cost. With that came the realization that this children’s
book may be a conduit to touch the lives of many young people. I could not ask for a better
outcome than that.
My research and topic relate to a career in pediatric oncology. I prefer the direct patient
interaction that a career as a doctor or nurse would yield as opposed to one in management. In
order to achieve this goal, I plan to receive an undergraduate degree from Georgia Tech, and
continue on to medical school upon graduation. With this target in sight, I will strive to
remember the positive and negative qualities I discovered about myself through this senior
project. Of particular note is the personal growth I gained in the areas of human relations and
timely organization. These skills will serve me well as I navigate the challenges of pre-medical
studies, and will, most certainly, make me a better doctor or nurse one day.
Initially, I was reticent about the notion of devoting so much time to one topic during my senior
year of high school. I thought it would be a waste of time. But the networking this project

2. provided, as well as the chance to fine-tune my future career goals and, most importantly, the
relationship I developed with a young cancer patient were priceless opportunities that I will not
soon forget. Thank you so much for your time this evening. I hope you have been as moved by
this glimpse into pediatric cancer as I have been. Perhaps our attention to this cause will bring us
just one tiny step closer to a cure.
Sincerely,
Savannah Brooks