Dallas-based author and philanthropist, Brenda West Cockerell, is excited to announce a portion of the proceeds from her book,In Grandma’s Garden, will go directly to Baylor Heath Care System Foundation. In conjunction with The Beacon Family Foundation, these gifts will come in varying amounts and are to support Celebrating Women for the purpose of breast cancer research, specifically Dr. Joyce O’Shaughnessy’s revolutionary work. Celebrating Women is Baylor Health Care System Foundation’s annual luncheon to raise funds for Baylor Scott & White Health – North Texas’ fight against breast cancer. More than $26 million has been raised through Celebrating Women over the past 16 years.
In Grandma’s Garden was written as a tribute to Holly Horton, a fellow teacher and Ms. Cockerell’s dear friend who passed away from breast cancer in 2009. Together, the friendsshared memories of blissful days spent in their grandmothers’ gardens and dreamed of creating a children’s book that would bring readers the same joy. The book captures the contentment, peace and safety of being alone in a vibrant garden through the creative imagination of a child.
Working with Baylor Health Care System Foundation, Ms. Cockerell hopes to support Celebrating Women by increasing awareness and funding for the breast cancer research of Dr. Joyce O’Shaughnessy, medical oncologist at the Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Center at Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center at Dallas,Celebrating Women Endowed Chair in Breast Cancer Research, and one of the best oncologists in Dallas.Dr. O’Shaughnessy specializes in breast cancer treatment within Texas Oncology, serves as Chair of Breast Cancer Research for the US Oncology Research Network, and founder of The School of Breast Oncology.
“Holly was always so joyful and full of life. She was a dear friend of mine whose battle was one that many women in our community are fighting,” Cockerell said. “I can’t think of a better way to honor Holly than by donating the proceeds of In Grandma’s Garden to fund research in hope of finding a cure for breast cancer.”
In Grandma’s Garden is illustrated by LindaÓlafsdóttir and designed by Chris Mulder. It is available online for purchase for $19.95 at grandmasgardenbook.com and amazon.com. You can follow us at Facebookand Instagram.
About the Author
In Grandma’s Garden is Brenda West Cockerell’s first book. Prior to her work as an author, Cockerellhad a six-year career as an elementary school educator in New York City and Houston. With her dear friend Holly as inspiration, Brenda hopes In Grandma’s Garden will bring joy to the lives of children who read it, as well as change to those struggling with breast cancer.
About The Beacon Family Foundation
The mission of The Beacon Family Foundation is to provide resources for families struggling with loved ones fighting cancer. Funds go toward breast cancer research, support initiatives for women and children and educational scholarships. Founded in 2014 by Executive Director Brenda W. Cockerell, The Beacon Family Foundation is a qualified, exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. For additional information, please visit www.grandmasgardenbook.com.
