Local teen publishes poetry to raise funds for kids with deadly illnesses

Thirteen-year-old Giancarlo Bernini is a magician in many ways.

For the past three summers, he has been volunteering at the Vannie E. Cook Jr.Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic in McAllen, where his father works as a doctor. There he performs magic tricks for children undergoing treatment for their illnesses.

Sometimes the children were energetic and excited about the magic shows; other times, when chemotherapy had taken its toll, the children were tired and not feeling well.

"I’m glad I could at least be a part of helping them forget what they’re going through and be able to make them feel good for a little while," Giancarlo said.

Now with the help of his parents and 34 of the children at the clinic, Giancarlo is performing a different kind of magic - he’s publishing an anthology of original poetry, illustrated by the children he was inspired by.

"I thought it would be better if the patients were the ones to illustrate the book," he said. "Every single one of those illustrations is worth gold. It’s their interpretations, their ideas and their art. It took a lot of time to get those, and they’re priceless."

Second Chance is a collection of more than 50 poems, almost all of them illustrated. They range from silly and fun to sweet and touching. Seventy-five percent of all proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the Vannie E. Cook foundation, while 25 percent will be used to publish more books.

Giancarlo began writing poetry in second grade for a class assignment. He continued writing because he enjoyed the rhythm of poetry. He began to mimic the style of some of his favorite poets, such as Jack Prelutsky and Shel Silverstein.

He always knew he wanted to publish an anthology of poetry, but it was only after volunteering at the clinic that he realized how he was going to make it happen.

For the past year, Giancarlo, his mother Cynthia and volunteers at the clinic have read Giancarlo’s poems to children at the clinic. The children interpreted each one however they wanted and drew pictures to accompany his poetry. Together, they created a compilation of poems both uplifting (“Hope”) and joyous (“I Found a Treasure Chest”).

When Giancarlo got the word out about Second Chance, people took notice right away. He has already secured almost 2,000 presale orders.

"We didn’t expect to sell more than 35 books," Giancarlo said.

He figured each child’s parent would buy a copy – but a 600-book order by Wiggles Children’s Rehab came as a total surprise.

Dr. Juan Carlos and Cynthia Bernini have done everything they can to help make their son’s dream of self-publishing a reality, but most of the credit goes to Giancarlo himself.

"I can’t say how proud of him I am," Dr. Bernini said.

Giancarlo has planned a reception to celebrate the first shipment of books, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at The Children’s Center at Renaissance in Edinburg. To order a copy of "Second Chance," visit Giancarlo’s website at www.secondchance2life.com, and click on the "contact" link to e-mail Giancarlo.

For more information about the Vannie E. Cook Jr. Children’s Cancer and Hematology Clinic, visit their website at www.vanniecook.org.

Amy Nichol Smith covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4420.

“Second Chance” Book Release Reception

WHEN: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18

WHERE: The Children’s Center at Renaissance, first floor lobby, 5515 S. McColl Road, Edinburg

HOPE

by Giancarlo Bernini

When it seems there is no hope,

When nothing good is shown,

Think about your life

And know you’re not alone.

When it seems you’ve got nothing,

When courage seems to fail,

Think about your life

And know you will prevail.

When you feel like giving up,

When it seems like time to quit,

When life’s marvels seem to fall,

Keep that candle of hope lit.