Like Andrea’s experience writing about May in Episode 2, I’ve got a real personal stake in Nevaeh’s character from episode 3. Nevaeh is a cancer patient who wakes up in the world of ReMade without quite understanding how she got there or what happened to her. What she does know is that she no longer feels sick, that she can do a lot of the things she thought she’d lost forever. While a lot of the other characters are frightened and desperate to get back home (whatever that means), Nevaeh’s is one of the only kids in the group who is glad to be there. To her, the world of ReMade represents a chance to live, and it’s a chance she’s never really had.I knew from moment one that I wanted to write about a cancer survivor, because it’s a topic that’s incredibly meaningful to me. My husband is a leukemia survivor, and now he’s a pediatric bone marrow transplant doctor. I saw him deal with a lot in the aftermath of his illness, and now, our family often becomes entwined with the families of his patients. We get together for playdates and soccer games, and when it’s necessary, we offer what support and love that we can as they prepare for the funeral.The resilience of these kids (not to mention the man I married) is astounding and wonderful. Also a bit humbling, if I’m going to be honest. It makes me think that the phrase “cancer survivor” doesn’t quite do things justice, because these kids don’t just survive. They live. They thrive. They kick serious ass.Nevaeh’s one of those kids, even though she might not realize it. She doubts herself and her abilities because she’s never really had the opportunity to exercise them. She reacts instead of acting, because she’s used to not being able to do much of anything to affect her situation. But she’s stronger than she realizes, and I loved taking this first step with her as she begins to discover just a little bit of what she’s capable of. People might underestimate Nevaeh, but that would be a mistake.That’s the kind of story I want to see more of. I want to see survivors who have picked up the pieces and rebuilt their lives. Who are thriving and kicking ass after remission and recovery. I want to take these stories to the kids on the floor and show them—this is where you’ll be someday. Someday when the cancer is long gone, you’ll be doing huge things. You might be frightened and doubting like Nevaeh, but you’ll persevere just like she does. Hopefully without the mechanical horrors, though. Those can stay in the book, thank you very much. They creep me out.
