Children's Book Aims to Start the Conversation About Early Detection of Testicular Cancer
What’s wrong with billy’s balls?
What's Wrong with Billy's Balls? is a children's book that tells the story of Billy, a young golfer who has been practicing every day to be just like Mark, the course professional. Billy enters his first tournament with his friend Jack and gets off to a rough start when his lucky golf balls begin to change in size and shape.
Billy continues to play despite the issues he is having with his lucky golf balls. It is not until Jack convinces Billy to speak with Mark that he seeks help. After visiting Mark, Billy and Jack return to the course and finish their first tournament.
This children's book teaches the young reader that it is OK to ask for help when things are feeling out of the ordinary. Billy's story was written for the children of testicular cancer survivors, who are at a slightly elevated risk and should be vigilant in their self-exams. The message also applies to a wider audience who should also speak up if they notice anything abnormal with their bodies.
The book is available now in our store. Proceeds from sales on both Amazon and the TCAF online store will benefit TCAF. We benefit more from sales in our store, but don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon!
About the Authors and Illustrators
As a testicular cancer survivor passionate about raising awareness of the disease, Steven Crocker co-authored What’s Wrong with Billy’s Balls? with his wife Ashley, a pediatric nurse. Combining Ashley’s love for her young patients with Steven’s passion for raising awareness of the importance of early detection of testicular cancer, this book was written to plant the seed for familiarizing oneself with oneself at an early age, destigmatizing boys and young men from asking for help when they suspect that it is needed.
The illustrations and watercolor were done by Steven’s brother and his wife. Blake Crocker and Taia Blizard met in Richmond, Virginia, where they grew into themselves as artists and creatives. After living in Richmond for several years, they moved to Brooklyn, New York. In the book, there’s a special “Easter egg” honoring Blake and Taia’s late dog, Presley, who passed away after a battle with cancer in May 2024.
Ashley, Steven, Taia, and Blake on Blake and Taia’s wedding day.