Cancer victim, 6, left love notes behind

The Desserich family: (L-R): Brooke, Gracie, Keith and Elena. Book: "Notes Left Behind" by Brooke and Keith Desserich, www.notesleftbehind.com.

A note from "Notes Left Behind" by Brooke and Keith Desserich, www.notesleftbehind.com.

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By Meredith Moss, Staff Writer 5:56 PM Monday, November 16, 2009

BEAVERCREEK — We’ve written about the Desserich family in the past in connection with the Graeter’s ice cream flavor — Elena’s Blueberry Pie — that raises funds for their foundation, The Cure Starts Now.

Brooke and Keith Desserich of Cincinnati are hoping to help a cure for all cancers, beginning with pediatric brain cancer, the disease that tragically claimed their 6-year-old daughter, Elena, in 2007.

The family is in the news once again with the publication of a book, “Notes Left Behind” (Morrow, $19.99). The Desserich’s — including daughter Gracie — will be signing books at Books & Co. at The Greene on Saturday, Nov. 21.

The book traces their difficult journey through the last days of their 6-year-old’s life through a series of journal entries. It gets its title from the colorful handwritten notes and drawings that the family found hidden throughout the house after Elena’s death.

The love notes were hidden in the corners of dresser drawers, between dishes in the china cabinet, or between photos stacked away in boxes.

“They are constant reminders of her determination and her inspiration,” write the authors. “She knew someday that we would need them to continue.”

At the Books & Co. event, there will be information about The Cure Starts Now, the charity founded to educate, aid and fund the search for a cure for pediatric brain cancer and brain stem glioma.

A portion of the profits from the sale of this book goes to the charity.

>Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or mmoss@Dayton DailyNews.com.

How to go

What: Book signing with Brooke and Keith Desserich, authors of “Notes Left Behind”

When: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21

Where: Books & Co at The Greene, 4453 Walnut St., Beavercreek

To learn more about Elena’s story, go to www. notesleftbehind.com.

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