Melissa Gollnik always wanted to write a children’s book. So, when the Infusion Services registered nurse at Tomah Health saw an opportunity to pay tribute to her cousin, Brent who died from leukemia, she decided to take on the challenge. “In a way, we created this book “together”—as a gift to children and families navigating leukemia. I hope with all my heart that it not only helps them understand the illness, but also reminds them, deeply and truly that they are never alone.”
“Slow Is the Way to Go!” is a lighthearted, informative story about Stanley, a baseball-loving sloth who slowly moves through diagnosis, chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. With the help of his friendly health care team and his lucky shoes, Stanley learns how leukemia affects his body, and what he can do to slowly fight it. “This children’s book is designed to educate, uplift, and support children newly diagnosed with cancer and their families through honest, fact-based information, gentle humor, and a spark of light on every page,” explained Gollnik. “It is an educational tool that hugs children with an everlasting strength that never let’s go.”
She said the upbeat tone grasps a child’s attention to not only learn about their cancer diagnosis but also provides the key to unlock the heavy door to their feelings as they cope with the difficult stages of childhood leukemia. “Brent faced life with fearless humor and unwavering positivity—qualities that shine through every illustration and echo in every word of this story. His vibrant spirit lives on in each colorful page, touching hearts in subtle and powerful ways. Brent’s courage and contagious zest for life gave me the strength to embark on this transformative journey.”
Melissa began writing the book in 2020. “I began writing this labor of love during the isolation of COVID to console a heavy heart. With each new idea and page created, I felt its message of hope and love could potentially make a difference in the lives of little ones and their families fighting the relentlessness of leukemia,” said Melissa who submitted her manuscript to a publisher in 2023. “One of my lifelong dreams was to write a children’s book, but I never imagined I’d become a published author. It has been one of the most exciting, emotional, and humbling experiences of my life.” Melissa said she had no idea how much work goes into a children’s book until she began the journey herself. “There were so many decisions to make, especially because I wanted to include many small, meaningful details throughout the book that honored Brent’s personality. What surprised me the most was the marketing and business side of things—it’s a very detailed, time-consuming, and thought-provoking process.”
Melissa said Brent’s mother felt he would be proud of the book. “Brent was someone you would never have known had cancer. He was upbeat, positive, and full of energy. My hope is that children who read this book will feel his spirit and strength through the colorful illustrations, educational moments, and touches of humor.” The book also honored Brent’s family. “His mom, Carol, is the pharmacist, his dad, Stan, is Stanley, the main character, and Timmy was inspired by Brent’s little brother, Tim.”
She said Brent’s long and challenging journey introduced her to raw, real, and deeply human feelings that inevitably shaped her life. “I knew I wanted to help others, and in time, I grew up to be an oncology nurse. I wanted to provide compassionate and empathetic care during challenging times and create a comfortable environment for patients and their families. I wanted to advocate for patients’ needs and ensure they receive the best and safest care possible. Brent is the reason I am an oncology nurse,” said Gollnik. Watching what Brent went through changed Gollnik forever. “It was the first time I truly felt and understood empathy as a child, and it created a deep desire to help others face the same fear and uncertainty. I wanted to be there for patients and families during some of their hardest moments, even in the smallest ways. I believe this book carries a gentle, comforting power—one that can help guide children and their families as they navigate an incredibly difficult diagnosis.”
As an oncology nurse for 25 years, Gollnik said nursing is a way for people to connect. “Nursing is a way for people to connect through love and compassion—to support one another and lean on each other in difficult moments. Having the opportunity to make a difference in the life of someone who is struggling is both an honor and a privilege, and it is deeply fulfilling to me,” added Gollnik. “May Brent’s legacy of hope and laughter live on in the beautiful hearts of many children diagnosed with leukemia through this book.”