In 1989 when the story was written, Derek Vieira was a sweet young six year old boy admitted at The Hospital for Sick Children to receive chemotherapy. Claire Loach was a young registered nurse who often administered Derek's chemotherapy. We wrote "Dereekio's Big Adventure" as a little project to help pass the time and make the hospital stay more fun. He thankfully completed chemo, the story was tucked away, and our lives moved on. Twenty-eight years later, we reconnected on social media. I didn't know if Derek would remember me, but the first word he texted back was "DEREEKIO!!!" We both felt that "Dereekio's Big Adventure", and more importantly, the story behind the story should be shared. A publisher was contacted, and here we are. It is a happy story of hope, courage and love. In 1989 when the story was written, Derek Vieira was a sweet young six year old boy admitted at The Hospital for Sick Children to receive chemotherapy. Claire Loach was a young registered nurse who often administered Derek's chemotherapy. We wrote Dereekio's Big Adventure as a little project to help pass the time and make the hospital stay more fun. He thankfully completed chemo, the story was tucked away, and our lives moved on. Twenty-eight years later, we reconnected on social media. I didn't know if Derek would remember me, but the first word he texted back was DEREEKIO!!! We both felt that Dereekio's Big Adventure, and more importantly, the story behind the story should be shared. A publisher was contacted, and here we are. It is a happy story of hope, courage and love.