New Storybook Launched to Provide Psychosocial Support for Children Battling Cancer
A new storybook has been launched to provide psychosocial support for children undergoing cancer treatment, coinciding with National Children’s Day. The book, titled ‘Anak Jagoan dan Pasukan Kemo Rangers’, was introduced by the social movement Mulai Dari Kita to help young patients understand their medical journey while reducing fear.
The book’s initiator, Anindita Anestya Bakrie, known as Ditha Bakrie, emphasised that a child’s recovery depends not only on medical treatment but also on emotional support to help them feel calmer during therapy. ‘We hope every page of this book can bring smiles, foster courage, and provide encouragement for the children and the families supporting them. May this small effort bring great benefits, serving as a reminder that hope always exists and that these young cancer warriors are remarkable children who deserve to keep dreaming and achieve a beautiful future,’ Ditha said on Thursday.
Written by Ilham Fahmi, the book features characters such as Anak Jagoan, Super Sel, and Pasukan Kemo Rangers, along with the antagonist Kangkoro, to explain the processes occurring in a child’s body during treatment. Through a metaphorical approach, children are guided to understand their illness without being overshadowed by fear. Ilham explained that the storytelling approach was chosen because it is close to a child’s world, allowing them to retain space for play and imagination even while undergoing treatment.
The book’s development also involved a child psychologist to ensure the material aligns with children’s developmental stages. The story is designed to help children recognise their emotions, reduce anxiety about medical procedures, avoid self-blame, and build self-confidence during treatment. Child psychologist Gisella Tani Pratiwi noted that stories are an effective tool for helping children understand their experiences. ‘When they can comprehend what is happening in their bodies in a safe and developmentally appropriate way, their fear diminishes and they feel a sense of control over the process. This kind of psychosocial support is a crucial part of holistic healing,’ she said.
Beyond serving as a supportive medium, the book also carries a social mission. All profits from pre-order sales will be donated to assist young cancer fighters from underprivileged families.