Santa Barbara-based author Peter Martin will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from his first children's book to the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation (TBCF) for National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
According to a press release sent to KSBY News, Martin wrote "Dragons on the Purple Moon" after his son was diagnosed with brain lymphoma three years ago.
"After witnessing his son go through pediatric cancer, he vowed to do whatever he could to make children's lives in hospitals more tolerable," said the spokesperson in the press release.
After moving to Santa Barbara, Martin said he was also inspired by TBCF.
"Our son recovering from brain cancer gave me the impetus to take early retirement, move to Santa Barbara, pursue my true passion of bringing joy to children and now partnering with the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation," said Martin.
Because the foundation's annual September Gold Ribbon Campaign (GRC) fundraiser luncheon was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Martin is organizing a pre-order fundraiser in partnership with TBCF to donate money for the programs they provide in the Santa Barbara area.
A spokesperson for Martin said the foundation's goal is to donate at least $10,000 by reaching 1,000 pre-orders by the end of September.
“We are so grateful to Peter Martin for his generosity and compassion," said Eryn Shugart, interim executive director of TBCF. "This magical, heartwarming and delightful book will enchant children and raise money for families who have a child with cancer at the same time."
Based on Martin’s own children, Hannah and Gavin, "Dragons on the Purple Moon" is a beautifully illustrated children’s story about a brother and sister who long for adventures in space.
The story and illustrations (by local Solvang Artist Sabine Ovesen) reveal the true character that lies within, according to the spokesperson.
TBCF and Martin hope hospitals will buy the book to inspire their young patients facing cancer.
To pre-order, visit Martin's website here.
Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation advocates for families living in Santa Barbara, Ventura and San Luis Obispo counties that have a child with cancer by providing financial, educational, and emotional support, according to the press release.
