NEW YORK—When Tom Batiuk’s nationally syndicated comic strip Funky Winkerbean began its compelling breast cancer storyline in January 1999, some questioned whether such a serious subject belonged on the funny pages. However, after 2 years of overwhelming support from breast cancer organizations and survivors, “Lisa’ Story” has shown that not even cancer can injure the funnybone.
Now the “Lisa’s Story” series returns as an inspirational book that approaches the sensitive topic of breast cancer with openness, humor, and tact. Created in partnership with the National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations (NABCO) and published by Perigee Books, “Lisa’s Story” is now available in bookstores ($12.95, ISBN: 0-399-52666-8) and can be ordered online at the BookSpot on NABCO’s website www.nabco.org. Mr. Batiuk and King Features will each donate a portion of the proceeds of book sales to NABCO.
The paperback includes the complete comic strip series that follows Mr. Batiuk’s character, Lisa Moore, through all the complex physical, psychological, and social issues that she and her friends and family face when she is diagnosed with the disease. The book also includes comments from survivors who wrote to tell how the comic strip series touched their lives, as well as a comprehensive list of resources for breast cancer patients, survivors, and their families.
Lisa’s Story follows the odyssey of Lisa Moore, a character in the Funky Winkerbean comic strip, through her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lisa’s husband Les is by her side, dealing with the couple’s HMO (DenialCare) and providing support. The strip ends a year after Lisa’s treatment as she decides to undergo breast reconstruction and join a support group.
