Publication
Ronan and the Endless Sea of Stars: A Graphic Memoir
Anspacher M · Journal of Palliative Medicine · 2026
This article focuses on *Ronan and the Endless Sea of Stars*, a 2022 graphic memoir by Rick Louis with art by Lara Antal, which explores the emotional and caregiving challenges faced by parents of a terminally ill child diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease. The memoir uses graphic medicine—a genre combining comic art and health care discourse—to depict the contrasting coping styles of Rick and his wife Emily, the strain on their marriage, and the complex interplay of grief, hope, and humor throughout their journey. Visual symbolism and narrative techniques convey the parents’ internal emotions and experiences with medical communication, while emphasizing the meaning found in Ronan’s brief life rather than focusing solely on loss. This work offers valuable insight for caregivers and health professionals into the lived realities of families managing pediatric terminal illness.
Synced from the TRENDS in Pediatric Palliative Care Zotero library, curated by The Siden Research Team. ICPCN does not host or verify the full text.