In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie McNeil, Early Childhood Teacher, devoted mom, and author of the children’s book Where Is Ellie’s Hair? We talk about how a single phone call to a friend in crisis became something so much bigger than anyone expected.

When Stephanie's close friend Aimee’s four-year-old daughter Ellie was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in May 2024, the world their family knew changed overnight. As Ellie began chemotherapy and her hair started to rapidly fall out, Aimee faced a question so many parents of young cancer patients face: how do I even begin to explain this to my child?

Stephanie searched for a book that could help, something uplifting, age-appropriate, and honest and came up empty. So she wrote one herself.

What started as a personal gift of love for one little girl quickly grew into a resource for families everywhere navigating the emotional weight of childhood cancer treatment. Where Is Ellie’s Hair? is more than a book , it’s a way to put the power of the conversation back in the hands of children and the families who love them.

All proceeds from the book go directly to Ellie and her family, as well as childhood cancer charities.

In this episode, Steph anie shares:

∙ The moment she knew she had to write this book

∙ How she approached hair loss with honesty and hope for a four-year- old audience

∙ What she wants families facing cancer to know

∙ How For Ellie has grown into a movement of support and awareness

This one will stick with you.

Purchase Where Is Ellie’s Hair? and support Ellie’s family and childhood cancer research:

forellie.com.au

Follow Ellie’s journey: @young.wild.and.strong

Follow For Ellie: @forellie.aus