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The True Story Behind “I Love You Like…”

This is a story about friendship, a father’s love, and a children’s book — and how together, they’ve transcended a Stage IV cancer diagnosis.

Best friends, and co-authors Scott Sutton (left) and Alec Traub, (right).

They say opposites attract, and this friendship proves that theory. Scott Sutton grew up in a small town in central Pennsylvania. Alec Traub is from Los Angeles. On paper, the duo couldn't be more different, but when they got to know each other they realized that this would be a life-long friendship.

After spending two years together as co-workers traveling to all parts of the United States, Scott and Alec are now once again geographically separated, each on their respective coasts. Still, they manage to keep in touch, no matter the time or distance. And in fact, Scott even chose to name his son Alec!

In 2016, at age 34, Scott learned he had Stage IV neuroendocrine cancer — a rare and life-changing disease that began in his lung and rapidly spread with tumors developing throughout his body. Alec (Traub) and his wife, Dana, flew to Pennsylvania for a visit, where the idea for the children’s book was sparked!

Dana and Scott’s wife, Anne, often call their husbands “childish”… for many reasons, but mostly for their long-standing game of creatively telling one another how much they have been missed. In closing emails or texts, each would try to outdo the other with a funny “I miss you like …” quip. One led to another — and became part of their every exchange. They never suspected at the time that their jokes would one day become a father’s legacy.

The children’s book “I Love You Like…..” is available on Amazon.com

Now, two years later, and as Scott continues to battle cancer, he and Alec have published a children’s book titled “I Love You Like…”, dedicated to Scott’s three-year-old son. Illustrated by Glenn Zimmerman of Garfield Studio, Paws, Inc., the book follows the story of a young grasshopper who repeatedly interrupts his work-bound dad with the important question of “How much do you love me?”

This is their first children’s book, and they hope it brings as much joy to readers as it has brought to their families.

Scott, now 36, is a resident of Allison Park, Pa., where he lives with his wife, Anne, and son, Alec (Sutton). He also has family in Mt. Lebanon and Bethel Park. He continues to undergo difficult treatments for his stage IV cancer. His friend and former work colleague Alec (Traub), 38, is a real estate agent in Beverly Hills, Calif., where he lives with his wife, Dana, and their 11-year-old Havanese puppy, Caleb.Their book is now available on Amazon, and Scott plans on using his portion of the proceeds from sales toward his son’s future college education. Visit www.grassandhopping.com to learn more.

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