the child studies remotely at school, wearing an astronaut's helmet_edited.jpg

a he·ro's jour·ney /a ˈhirō's ˈjərnē/

A hero is defined by admirable traits like courage and nobility that manifest in selfless pursuits. In literature, The hero of our story faces a series of arduous trials that test their resolve, determination, and character. With every imposing challenge, they manage to overcome through perseverance and inner fortitude. Along their path, they glean profound, enlightening truths about themselves and the world around them. As the protagonist conquers what sought to conquer them, they emerge wiser for the wear - battle-scarred but illuminated by hard-won wisdom that will serve them on the winding road ahead. Where they once saw only barriers, they now spy signposts dotting the landscape, guiding their journey toward purpose.

TSF's, A Hero's Journey, is a 100% donor-funded, creative writing program for children and teens.

Our team cultivates the creative expression of children coping with critical illness or grief by offering compassionate writing guidance and community.

We provide young writers with an empowering forum to process adversity through storytelling. Our thoughtful printing and publishing programs shine a compassionate light on their creativity and resilience for the world to witness. In exploring their experiences through writing, difficult emotions can be healed, purpose can be found in suffering, and hope revived.

With supportive, weekly writing mentorships, we enable young writers profoundly affected by life-limiting illness or grief to craft their narratives in story, amplifying messages that resonate with others experiencing hardship—spreading resilience, comfort, and purpose during the most difficult times.

why TSF?

POV child painting a picture with school supplies, preschool child painting, child drawing

The Tobin Scott Foundation uplifts critically ill and grieving youth through storytelling. Founded by author Melissa Savage to honor her late son Tobin, this non-profit helps children and teenagers aged 5-18 who are facing life-limiting illness or grief to write their own books. By publishing and distributing these young authors' works globally, TSF amplifies voices that are often unheard. The Toby Crew is carrying on Tobin's legacy of love by bringing comfort and meaning to kids navigating profound loss.

pencil and paper with My Story words near gumshoes on blue wooden table.jpg

heart clouds on blue sky. Cloudy day..jpg

4D567DB3-93F3-4959-90A7-5D14F94D17E1_edi

Kid's painting of universe with planets and stars.jpg

Storybook Writing

Novel Writing

Legacy Writing

Groups

Storyteller Program:

Storyteller Creators of any age craft their own narratives in various formats, including picture books, graphic novels, memoirs, or poetry. Participants receive a welcome kit and engage in weekly sessions with an author over four weeks, developing and, if desired, illustrating their own book. The program offers guidance on integrating original content and culminates in the production of hardcover copies of the participant's work. To honor their achievement, authors receive a special kit and an invitation to showcase their book at our annual Young Author Celebration. Throughout the process, we prioritize the well-being of emerging writers, fostering a supportive community that nurtures creative expression and facilitates personal growth on their healing journey.

Novella Program:

Our Novella publishing program starts by welcoming each student with a specialized kit to launch their writing journey. Upon starting the program, the student will meet weekly with an author mentor for up to 12 weeks to draft, edit, and ultimately self-publish a paperback novel. The program also includes a professionally designed cover and an ISBN identification. Finally, we celebrate the student's accomplishment with an author kit and invitation to our annual Young Author Virtual Book Launch. With thoughtful guidance and celebration along the way, the program is designed to support, validate, and share in the healing experience with the young writer.

Legacy Program:

Our Legacy program is specially designed for our young patients facing life-limiting conditions. It offers them a unique opportunity to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives, creating a lasting testament for themselves, their loved ones, and the broader community. Our mission focuses on supporting families through their journey of hope and healing. While we don't replace traditional mental health services or therapy, our innovative approach draws inspiration from Elizabeth Kübler-Ross's stage theory of grief. This framework helps guide families through the complex emotions that arise during these challenging times, providing a compassionate and understanding environment for expression and reflection. Through this program, we aim to honor each child's voice and journey, fostering a sense of purpose and connection even in the face of difficult circumstances.

Hearts in Story Program:

The Hearts in Story program empowers children through the healing power of storytelling in a supportive group environment. Through our community partnerships, we bring children together to share their experiences and support one another on their healing journeys. Our unique program guides young participants as they craft their own stories—whether fictional tales or personal narratives—complete with original illustrations. Each child receives expert guidance in creating their own illustrated book, which is then professionally printed as a hardcover edition. The program culminates in a special author launch event, held either in-person or virtually, where our young authors share their stories with an audience of family and friends. This celebration honors their creative achievements and provides a meaningful platform for their voices to be heard. Please contact us below for more information.

Learn More

We deeply appreciate the commitment of our distinguished authors who support our mission and guide grieving and critically ill children to share their stories. By compassionately imparting their literary skills to young writers who are struggling with complex medical conditions or loss, these acclaimed story crafters empower voices that uplift and endure through the Tobin Scott Foundation’s affirming printing and publishing initiatives.

Savage Family 2011 144 copy[2]_edited.png

Author

Melissa Savage

Melissa is a middle-grade author, having published books with renowned publishers like Penguin Random House and Chicken House Books. Her works have gained international recognition, and has been nominated for various prestigious awards such as the Edgar Allen Poe Award. Melissa has worked previously as a child and family therapist, specifically supporting families navigating the challenges of trauma, life-limiting pediatric illnesses, and grief. Through her experiences, she has developed a profound belief in the healing power of self-expression through writing. The driving force behind the Tobin Scott Foundation stems from the kindness and support Melissa received when her son, Tobin, was diagnosed with a terminal medical condition. Her dual roles as a therapist and an author for young readers motivated her to create a program that provides a platform for others to share their stories and find solace through artistic expression.

Melissa is deeply grateful for the opportunity to amplify families' narratives and appreciative of the individuals and organizations who contribute to the foundation's mission through their work or donations. She hopes to create a safe haven where important stories can be shared and the healing potential of art can be harnessed.

Author

Debbie Chamberlain

Meet Debbie Chamberlain, a certified elementary school teacher, mindfulness practitioner, and author who has dedicated her life to helping individuals develop awareness, compassion, and resilience. Since 2001, Debbie has been educating students of all ages, earning her bachelor's degree in education, a master's degree in curriculum and instruction, and certifications in mindfulness, yoga, and health and wellness. Her passion for empowering communities with effective tools to manage stress, regulate emotions, and build self-love has driven her to create Myndfulness Matters, a powerful organization that focuses on wellness strategies for individuals and families. Debbie aspires to build her love of teaching writing with her wellness advocacy to facilitate healing through the transformative practice of writing.

Author

Angela Halgrimson

Angela Halgrimson is a multiple National and Regional Award-winning Children’s Book Author from Minnesota. She enjoys traveling, visiting schools, writing about silliness and advocating for people with Brain Injury Disabilities. Angela currently sits on the Board for the Minnesota Brain Injury Alliance. Tobin Scott Foundation is thrilled to have this award winning author joining our team to serve families. Angela has also been appointed as the Author Coordinator with Tobin Scott, assisting in getting author's ready to work with our families. To learn more about Angela, please click on the links below.

Screenshot 2023-10-17 at 3.05_edited.jpg

Author

Monica Sherwood

Monica Sherwood is an accomplished children's book author and a former elementary school teacher.

Monica's debut middle-grade novel, The Ice House, was published by Little Brown Young Readers. She is a dedicated advocate for creative expression as a means of healing and self-discovery. Through her writing, she strives to authentically portray the human experience and instill hope in her young readers.

Monica obtained her master's degree in Childhood and Special Education from Hunter College, specializing in Learning Disabilities. She actively promotes the use of reading and writing as powerful tools for inclusion in her work with students with dyslexia.

Author

Wendi Aarons

Wendi Aarons is an award-winning humorist, writer and author. She's written for McSweeneys Internet Tendency, The New Yorker Daily Shouts, US Weekly, and Texas Monthly. She won the Iris award for "Most Entertaining Writer" and Parents Magazine named her blog "Funniest Parenting Blog." Wendi lives in Austin, Texas where she also enjoys teaching a comedy writing camp for kids. Ginger Mancino, Kid Comedian is her first middle-grade novel.

Tobin Scott foundationur paragraph text-33.png

Jessica - Chandler, Arizona

"I am so grateful to A Hero’s Journey program for the impact they have made in our lives. I hope this program grows and is able to help more families just like ours.”

Tobin Scott foundationur paragraph text-37.png

We wish to express our deepest gratitude for all who support the Tobin Scott Mission as we serve our families to share their stories of courage and strength.

DONATE NOW

Our Phoenix location:

Tobin Scott Foundation

c/o Caritas Law Group, PC

2307 South Rural Road

Tempe, Arizona 85282

Thank you for being a part of our mission to serve our families!

Tobin Scott Foundation is a federally recognized 501(c)3tax-exempt nonprofit organization. As such, donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

The Federal EIN of the Tobin Scott Foundation is 92-2808092.