This script has a tragic ending but it does reflect a very real set of events which young people may have to face. Death is very much a part of life and it’s necessary to have the emotional strength to deal with it. Teenagers already live in a world of emotional tumult. When a teenager suffers through and dies from a disease such as cancer, this tumult increases exponentially. The effects are felt deeply in family and friends. It is the playwright's hope that Jenny’s story can help family and friends see that a support system is vitally important for all those caught in the struggle presented by cancer.
Keywords: Teenagers cancer family relationships
Genre: Drama
Acts: 1
Run time: 35 minutes
Suitable for students 14+
Cast size: 9 actors
Dad (raising his face from his hands): But look, we can’t let ourselves get convinced that this is going to turn out for the worse. We can’t just give up hope. Jenny is going to need us to be stronger than ever for her now. (pause) You know I’ve always been a man who is proud because I can take care of my Family … I’ve worked hard to put what we have, here for us … (beginning to get upset) and when she was little I could take her in my hands and I knew, that, come hell or high water, she would be protected … not one thing on this Earth could hurt her. (pause) But now, I’m helpless … there’s not one earthly thing that I can do for my little girl (very upset). What is the good of these now ? (holding up his hands) they are useless! The one time when I really need them and they are useless … I can hold her as tight as I can and there’s not one bloody thing I can do for her.
Mom: You know that’s not true. When she was little and she got hurt who would she always run to ? And you would hold her and pretend that you would put all the scrapes and bruises in your pocket. And before long she would be running around the garden again all giggles.