About the Author

A diagnosed Retinoblastoma that was atypical for her age magnified the then 11-year-old Destiny Flood-DeJesus’s challenge of being a preteen. Now an adult and cancer-free for 20 years, Destiny didn’t want other kids in similar situations to look far to read about someone who looked or came from similar backgrounds as them.

 

When Destiny, a mixed-race Latina, was treated for cancer, her parents couldn’t find books or websites that would explain her illness to her in language a young person could understand. There was no one at home to tell her what to expect or live with the limitations of being a sick kid.

 

In a way, Destiny still feels like that little girl and hopes with her story – her book – that other kids know it’s ok to be afraid if they’re sick. It’s ok to be silly and dance one minute and be scared the next. It’s ok to get excited about small steps because, like hers, they can lead to huge victories. It’s important to know that you, too, when faced with adversity, can find powers like a superhero!

 

As a digital marketing specialist, Destiny works with specifics, but during her own time, she flexes her creative muscles by writing and practicing photography. “I can see a lot with one good eye!” she said, referring to a prosthetic eye that lies in place of the one removed after her cancer diagnosis.

 

A native of Lowell, Mass., Destiny lives in Houston, Texas with her husband Cristian, and their mini-goldendoodle, Jager (after Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger). With a childish grin, she speaks about how she met Cristian in high school. “I saw him playing basketball and afterward, went up and told him he was cute!” Together they like to dance and explore Houston’s diverse attractions.

 

A self-proclaimed homebody, Destiny would ultimately like to help kids and families affected by cancer to help pay medical expenses that aren’t covered by health insurance. It’s a burden, she says, that should not overshadow healing.