A cancer diagnosis is always life-altering, but some are able to take the strength and knowledge of that dark journey to help others.

In “Why God? Suffering through Cancer into Faith,” Brookhaven native Maggie Cupit and her grandfather Ed Henderson work to examine the grief and suffering Cupit experienced during her battle with cancer.

At 19, Cupit was a chemistry major at Rhodes College who had just been chosen to do research at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Before she could begin, she found herself with a life-threatening form of pediatric cancer and entered the hospital as a patient instead.

“It’s rewarding to know that they [readers] benefit from it in some way,” she said. “It’s a very human thing to suffer. Everyone has experienced that feeling of loneliness.”

There has also been a surprising benefit for Cupit — a deeper connection with her grandfather.

“He’s a very, very brilliant man,” she said. “I wouldn’t have gotten to know that side of him without the book.”

Cupit said she’s always felt like she’s known Henderson, an emeritus professor of philosophy at Louisiana State University, but now they talk frequently, and she has been able to learn his own thoughts and beliefs.

As far as the book’s reception, Cupit said so far it has has been positive.

“Part of it has been people seem to have a better understanding of how sick I was,” she said, citing that many did not realize her treatment was stronger than the standard chemotherapy. “Many have found it to be comforting and inspiring and very honest.”

And the honesty in her book is what Cupit believes is her greatest strength.

“It’s extremely honest,” she said. “I articulate things that people think, but maybe don’t say out loud or don’t know how to.”

Cupit said the community has been supportive of her just as they have been throughout her life.

“I want to thank the community for being so supportive of me when I was sick and now with the book,” she said. “I’m very lucky to have a community that is like that.”

Cupit will have a book signing at Lemuria Books in Jackson from 4:30 to 6 p.m. that is being hosted by the Mississippi Foundation for Women. Cupit also hopes to have a book signing in Brookhaven at Magnolia Blues BBQ Company in July.

Cupit is a 2009 graduate of Brookhaven High School and the daughter of Paul and Ellie Phillips and Malcolm and Marlene Cupit. All profits from the book will be donated to St. Jude’s.