I’ve shaved my head twice in my breast cancer journey. And on both times, I noticed that the people who were truly shocked were my friends’ kids, godchildren, niece, nephew… basically, any kid who sees me on a regular basis. From having a head of full of hair, suddenly, I show up as bald as an egg or they would see me wear a wig one day, then a scarf the next… only to take it out when I’m about to rest.

So even if my family and friends would gently explain what’s going on, why Tita or Ninang Jaymee has no hair right now, they get disoriented. My best friend’s son even asked, “Mom, is she dying that’s why she lost all her hair?” And me and my bestie laughed and exclaimed NO at the same time then explained.

These incidents are what exactly prompted me to create my second book titled “No-Hair Mama, Don’t Care”. It’s a children’s storybook with lovely illustrations that shares a story of a young boy named Yani and her mama who goes home one day from a doctor’s appointment to tell him that she’s sick. And this time, it’s not just the typical sniffles. It’s something more complicated that requires her to take strong medicines that will make her lose her beautiful brown hair as one of the side effects.

This book illustrates, in a light-hearted way, to young kids about the physical transformation that moms (and the moms at heart!) will go through when undergoing chemotherapy. Based on my personal experience, the hair loss, switching of scarves, wigs and all the physical experimentation along with low energy and feeling sick at some days leave the children puzzled and weirded out.

I’ve included some Filipino elements on the book and have proudly collaborated with an all Filipino team for this. From the illustrator, to the editor, to the publisher, and myself as the writer/creator, we all ensured that this book will somehow, ease the burden of women dealing with a health diagnosis that requires chemo to inform their little loved ones about what is to be expected and how they can be the little cheerleaders we hope them to be.

The book comes in soft cover sold at 350php and the limited edition hardcover at 550php. I’m also offering a bundle rate that includes my first book “That Sh*t Called Cancer” that shares my cancer story and self-help tips with the “No-Hair Mama” soft cover copy for only 700php. The original price combining both is 800php so you save 100php!

I hope this book will serve its purpose of uplifting the brave and beautiful no-hair mamas out there. May this short story of acceptance, courage and the healing power of love help them and their little loves ones in their journey to recovery. It’s now officially available in the Philippines and can be bought online via Shopee. Let’s keep winning, mama thrivers!

PS. When you get your copy, pls shoot me a comment or a direct message and let me know what you think of it! Your feedback as my reader will truly be valued and be taken into consideration. Oh, and to watch my shameless plug and insight about the book in Tagalog, check out my YouTube video below. 🙂