Surprise Squad holds book signing for 12-year-old fighting cancer

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Drew Patchin, 12, thought he was coming to the First Alert 4 studio for an interview about his new children’s book. Instead, he walked into a surprise book signing party complete with fans, mascots and games.

The young author has been fighting pediatric brain cancer for six years. His tumor, called ependymoma, has returned four times, making this his fifth battle with the disease.

“His tumor has actually come back four times, so he is currently fighting brain cancer for the fifth time,” his mother, Jennifer Patchin, said. “In the last six years, he has had ten brain surgeries, two rounds of radiation, CAR T-cell therapy, different chemotherapies.”

Finding strength through storytelling

Drew wrote “Marshmallow Can Do Hard Things” through an organization called Books That Heal, which helps medical patients create published works. The book features a narwhal named Marshmallow who faces scary situations like going to school and visiting the doctor.

“In the book, Marshmallow’s family has been making plans to get through all the scary things,” Drew said.

The story follows Marshmallow learning to make plans and practice to overcome fears. When Marshmallow accomplishes hard things, the character celebrates with ice cream.

Drew’s mother said writing the book helped her son process his experiences.

“He’s been able to put into words a story that is relatable for all humans, because everyone has to do hard things,” she said.

Brother provides support

Drew’s younger brother Tyler is known by family and friends as a “super sib.”

“Tyler is definitely Drew’s number one fan, and it’s reciprocal,” Jennifer Patchin said. “Drew wants Tyler around all the time. They share a room. They are the closest brothers you can imagine.”

Drew dedicated his book to his supporters, “but especially my little brother, Tyler, my Aunt, Bevy, and my service dog, Snoopy.”

Surprise celebration

The Surprise Squad transformed the First Alert 4 lobby into a book signing venue while Drew was being interviewed by Paige Hulsey for a Turn the Page with Paige feature. Fans lined up for autographs, and Friends of Kids with Cancer provided games and gear for the celebration.

Mascots Fredbird and Louie attended the event, which Drew’s mother said was particularly meaningful because “he loves mascots.”

“The best reward for the whole day and best part is really to see Drew smile,” his mother said. “We don’t often get to see it unless he is super excited.”

Drew is going to have a Bar Mitzvah in December and is collecting games to donate to The Bennett Project, which serves families fighting pediatric cancer in the St. Louis area. Click here to purchase a game.

Click here to purchase “Marshmallow Can Do Hard Things” from Amazon.

Watch Drew’s episode of Turn the Page here.