Abstract B050: Using therapeutic storytelling and coloring to support emotional resilience in children with cancer: The impact of <i>Jacob’s Big Brave Adventure</i>

Abstract Children facing cancer often endure not only the physical toll of treatment but also emotional and psychological challenges, including fear, isolation, and anxiety. While advances in medical treatment have improved survival rates, addressing the emotional well-being of pediatric patients remains a crucial, yet often under-supported, aspect of care. Jacob’s Big Brave Adventure is a therapeutic coloring book designed to offer children with cancer a creative, empowering tool to help process their journey and build emotional resilience. Inspired by the real-life story of Jacob Garland, a young boy who courageously battled osteosarcoma, this resource combines storytelling and interactive coloring to foster hope, strength, and a sense of connection for young patients. Each page features affirming scenes and characters that reflect bravery, friendship, and joy, while gently acknowledging the realities of treatment. The goal is to provide an accessible intervention that encourages self-expression, reduces stress, and supports psychosocial healing. Feedback from families, pediatric social workers, and child life specialists has been positive, highlighting the book’s role in sparking meaningful conversations between children and caregivers. Preliminary observations suggest that engaging with the book helps reduce feelings of fear and isolation by giving children a relatable, comforting outlet during treatment. This abstract explores the potential of Jacob’s Big Brave Adventure as an innovative, culturally aware psychosocial support tool in pediatric oncology settings. By integrating creative activities with therapeutic intent, the book aligns with holistic models of care that emphasize the importance of mental and emotional health in medical outcomes. We propose further study and collaboration with pediatric care teams to evaluate structured implementation in hospital and outpatient environments, with the aim of enhancing overall quality of life for children undergoing cancer treatment. Citation Format: Latorra Garland. Using therapeutic storytelling and coloring to support emotional resilience in children with cancer: The impact of Jacob’s Big Brave Adventure [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference in Cancer Research: Discovery and Innovation in Pediatric Cancer— From Biology to Breakthrough Therapies; 2025 Sep 25-28; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(18_Suppl_2):Abstract nr B050.