Stephen Jefferson Honors Late Brother-in-Law with Children's Book on Stomas

In a heartfelt tribute to his late brother-in-law, Stephen Jefferson, a retail worker from Washington near Sunderland, has authored a children's book titled "Shimmy the Shark and his Stoma". This endeavor came at the request of his brother-in-law, Daniel Swales, who passed away at the young age of 23 after a courageous battle with stage four Burkitt's lymphoma. Swales, who underwent surgery that resulted in a stoma, expressed his desire for Jefferson to write a story that could help children with stoma bags feel more accepted and understood.

According to Jefferson, the book's proceeds will be partially donated to Colostomy UK, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with stomas and raising awareness. He has taken the initiative to tour local schools, sharing the message of acceptance and understanding surrounding stomas. "I thought my brother-in-law would be so pleased, and I hope he would be very proud of the book," Jefferson stated in an interview. Swales, who displayed remarkable resilience even during his illness, managed to read the final part of the story before his passing on November 8, 2022.

Swales was known for his passion for learning and was pursuing a master's degree in media and public relations at Newcastle University at the time of his diagnosis. Jefferson described his brother-in-law as "the most amazing person I know," emphasizing his selflessness and thoughtfulness, even in the face of adversity. "Watching his life turn upside down was incredibly difficult," Jefferson reflected, adding that Swales adapted to his circumstances but struggled with the changes brought on by his condition.

The book's narrative centers around a shark named Shimmy, who navigates life with a stoma, aiming to normalize the conversation around this medical condition for children. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Newcastle, notes the importance of such narratives in pediatric care and education. "Books like these can greatly impact children's understanding and acceptance of medical conditions that might otherwise be stigmatized," she said, underscoring the role of literature in health education.

The initiative not only serves as a means to honor Swales's memory but also aims to break down the stigma surrounding stomas, a medical procedure that is often misunderstood. Colostomy UK has supported Jefferson's efforts, stating, "Raising awareness through children's literature is a powerful tool that can foster empathy and understanding at an early age."

As Jefferson continues to promote the book in schools, he remains committed to ensuring that his brother-in-law's legacy endures. "Daniel said he didn’t want to be forgotten, and I’m making that my mission," Jefferson declared. The profound impact of Swales's life and his battle against cancer continues to resonate within their community, inspiring others to engage in open dialogues about health and acceptance.

The book's release has been met with positive feedback from both educators and health professionals, who recognize the need for resources that provide children with relatable stories about health challenges. As Jefferson reflects on his brother-in-law's life and their shared experiences, he hopes that "Shimmy the Shark and his Stoma" will help foster a culture of acceptance and understanding among young readers and their families.