Rockford-area dentist writes poetry book inspired by loss of 4-year-old son

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) – A book written by a local dentist came from a very personal and dark place.

It’s where Leann Burch was in 2016, when she lost her 4-year-old son, Jordan, to cancer.

Like other mothers who’ve lost children, Burch found herself experiencing a range of emotions and at times felt like she was alone in her pain.

“When my child had cancer, I thought, ‘At least I am not one of those parents who has lost their child to cancer.’ My child’s cancer had a very high success rate of cure,” Burch said. “But he just wasn’t one of the ones who was cured. So, it’s a very surreal experience.”

In the midst of a storm, Burch began writing poetry. On June 4, she released “7 Years of Grief,” a collection of work with a strong message that during times of trouble, nobody is ever alone.

“I think a lot of times,” Burch said, “if you’re feeling something and to know that someone else has felt it before, can be very validating—that you’re not the first person to feel sad or hopeless or depressed or angry about what’s happened to you.”

“7 Years of Grief’ is available for free at SRM Prints in downtown Rockford and is for sale on Amazon .

“It feels really good, mom-to-mom and small business owner-to-small business owner, especially as an artist, to help Leann have a little more reach with her book,” said Sarah Reed-McNamara, owner of SRM Prints.

Burch said the book is resonating with those who came alongside her when she lost her son. And she hopes the central message of “7 Years of Grief” will have a far-reaching effect on the community.

“It was something that was healing for me, and hopefully it will connect with someone else,” Burch said.

Burch, who owns Burch Dental with her husband, plans to keep writing and hopes to publish another book in the future.

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