Port Leyden native Garth Callaghan is the napkin note dad and his story is so inspiring it's been turned into a book and will soon become a movie. Callaghan has been leaving notes in his daughter Emma’s lunch every day, since kindergarten. After being diagnosed with cancer, he wrote enough notes to last until Emma graduates, since it’s likely he won’t be around to see it.

Garth Callaghan
Garth Callaghan
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The idea has taken off and is making a difference is lives around the country. 'The more I talk about this, the more interest I get from other parents. I have a friend who travels on business and before he goes away and he hides a few dozen notes around the house, in kids pants pockets, in the oven mitts, so his family is finding notes all throughout his trip.'

Napkin Notes does more than just tell Garth's story. It inspires. 'It takes the reader through my journey, not only as a parent but as a cancer patient and how I have changes as a father because of being diagnosed with cancer four times. But the book isn't about cancer. The book is about building relationships, making connections and making the most of your life.'

the book isn't about cancer. The book is about building relationships, making connections and making the most of your life

Being diagnosed with cancer once is unimaginable, but four times; how does anyone stay so positive. 'I gave myself permission to feel sorry for myself once a week. Once I gave myself permission to feel sorry for myself, I stopped feeling sorry for myself and I started to focus on others. The more I help others, the less I think about me.'

Garth has been in a drug treatment program which is similar to chemo, but he takes a pill at home. And it's working. 'The tumors I had shrunk. Two thirds of them disappeared and few that are left are stable at this point.'

The book is just the beginning. Napkin Notes is also being turned into a movie, a surreal concept for Garth. 'It's heartwarming to know somebody in Hollywood decided this is a story worth telling.'

Napkin Notes isn't just about writing a note. 'It's really about taking an action in your life. Maybe that's writing a love note to your spouse or maybe it's just smiling at somebody. If anybody who reads the book or hopefully watches the movie, that's what they take away. You don't have to solve cancer or figure out world peace, you just have to find a need and act on it. It's not the big things. It's the little big things.'

These aren't just words on a page for Garth. He's even included his phone number in the back of the book. 'That's how serious I am about making connections with people.'

You can pick up Napkin Notes at any book store and online at Amazon.com. You'll have to wait for the movie, since it's in th early stages. The script hasn't even been written yet. Garth just hopes he's around to see it.

Garth Callaghan
Garth Callaghan
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