Cartooncology: Thoughtful Images of Cancer
William A. L. Sperduto
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Cartooncology: Thoughtful Images of Cancer is a collection of illustrations that exposes individuals of all ages and backgrounds to different ways of thinking about the illness. The book accesses emotions and thoughts that readers may not process otherwise. These graphic medicine images help patients, caregivers, students, and health professionals visually learn from and cope with cancer.
Examples
Reviews
“With courage, insight, and humor, Will Sperduto uses his drawings to shine a light on the difficult, and sometimes scary, experiences that occur in the world of oncology, and he does so in a way that brings our humanity to the center of the story. He has given a wonderful gift to patients with cancer, as well as the families and staff who care for them.”
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Raymond Barfield MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Pediatrics and
Christian Philosophy
Director, Medical Humanities
Trent Center for Bioethics, Humanities, and History of Medicine
Duke University
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"Through these warmly drawn and accessible renderings, Will provides remarkable insight into the emotions experienced by people with cancer and their families. From this connection, they can find comfort by being less alone in their journeys. Further, Will demonstrates the tremendous power of deliberate, genuine and heartfelt listening to another's experience."
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Elizabeth Ross, DPT, MMSc
Associate Consulting Professor
Doctor of Physical Therapy, School of Medicine
Duke University
Three-time cancer survivor
“One of the most challenging seasons of our lives was walking with our first-born son thru a challenging diagnosis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. So often I wished I could take his cancer myself. Instead I had to learn how to help him process and walk thru a challenge that in many ways he had to fight himself. This wonderful work of art would have been a helpful addition as we struggled to communicate both the highs and lows of walking well thru cancer. I'm refreshed by the knowledge that other parents and patients will have this essential resource to aid them in the moments when their words and thoughts can't convey the raw and challenging emotions they so often experience.”
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Joseph Augustus Jackson Jr., MD FAAP
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Duke Children's Primary Care
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“Will’s keenly observed drawings offer perspectives into the lived experience of cancer treatment. The format of the book allows for multiple entry points that I believe will create openings for frank conversation with patients, families, and friends.”
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MK Czerwiec, RN, MA, GraphicMedicine.org
Artist in Residence, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine
Will Sperduto was born in Minnesota. He is an athlete, musician, scholar, outdoorsman, researcher, and cartoonist pursuing a career in medicine. Will earned a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology and global health and a master’s degree in biomedical sciences from Duke University. While Cartooncology is his first book, Will wants to strengthen the humanity in medicine by continuing to contribute to the advancement of medical education and patient care.