UF medical student writes book for children with brain tumors

A University of Florida medical student has written and illustrated a children’s book for young patients undergoing surgery for a brain tumor. In “Snuggles’ Brain Storm,” Jennifer Moliterno tells the story of “Snuggles,” a young bear with a brain tumor. His head and stomach hurt so badly, he can’t even eat his favorite strawberry ice cream cones.

“Dr. Spott E. Dogg,” a pediatric neurosurgeon, tells Snuggles the tumor is causing a bad storm in his brain and body. Dr. Dogg successfully removes the tumor, and Snuggles immediately asks his mother for an ice cream cone after the operation. He returns home a few days later.

Moliterno, a second-year student in the College of Medicine, was inspired by the children she worked with at New York University Medical Center, where she was a summer intern in the department of pediatric neurosurgery. She wrote the book for the patients and their parents, who often were overcome with emotion before surgery.

The New York-based Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation will publish the hardcover book this December and distribute it to hospitals across the country. Moliterno has agreed to write additional stories on radiation therapy and other medical treatments young patients with tumors may face.