Twelfth Knight: A Mother's Story

On Christmas Eve, Jeff Hayes returned home from high school hockey practice, approached his mother, and uttered these life-changing words: "Mom, I think I have a tumor in my leg." Jeff was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare and deadly form of bone cancer. Eventually, the disease would end his life, but to focus on his death is to miss the beauty of his life; it is to miss the countless lives he touched; his community rallying around him; his love of hockey and the kindness of the Boston Bruins. "Twelfth Knight" is a wonderful story, beautifully told through a mother's eyes. Susan recounts clinical settings amid memories of Jeff's youth with flashbacks of her own childhood growing up in a large Boston family. The story is told in the same manner in which Jeff lived his life-with courage, compassion, humor, and gratitude. Discover through Jeff's story, the high-incidence of this rare disease that strikes children, adolescents, and young adults. "PRAISE FOR TWELFTH KNIGHT" ""Living on Cape Cod, I too, was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma a year prior to Jeff. A four-time survivor"; "my battle continues. Cancer did not define Jeff's life, nor will it define mine. I have overcome the adversity cancer has imposed on me by discovering the true meaning of courage and bravery from those who battled their disease beside me."-Schuyler O'Brien, PhD Student at the University of Utah" "Research focused on Ewing's Sarcoma" ""It was a privilege to know and care for Jeff. This book is a reflection of, and testament to, the love and dedication of his family and those who were lucky enough to have him as part of their lives."-Samuel C. Blackman, MD, PhD, Senior Medical Director, Juno Therapeutics, Inc." ""Every single day I reflect on the time I spent with Jeff and the Sandwich Varsity Hockey Team. Jeff's courage impacted everyone, his love touched us all, and his strength paved the way for a state championship. "Twelfth Knight" is the moving story of one of my heroes written with the raw emotion only a mother can deliver. I wear Jeff's #12 pin on my coaching jacket and give out an annual award in his honor. Everyone needs to know Jeff's story."-Derackk Curtis, Boys' Varsity Hockey Coach" "Archbishop Williams High School" ""This is a story of great courage and love during the most painful loss a mother can experience. Jeff was a very special young man. I'm glad Susan has decided to share her story with the world."-Terry O'Reilly, Boston Bruins Alumni and NHL Coach" A Portion of the Proceeds to Benefit Childhood and Adolescent Cancer Research