Pink Bear has been a tremendous comfort to me during my battle against Pancreatic Cancer says Catherine Swartz, author of the children’s book series My Friend Pink Bear. When she wrote My Friend Pink Bear in the Hospital less than a year ago, Catherine had no idea that she would be battling cancer. In the book, wonderfully illustrated by her daughter Alexandria, Jimmy and Pink Bear support a friend that is battling cancer. The story is an empowering celebration of kindness and friendship. The friends’ journey together showcases the incredible power of healing within us all.
Catherine has enjoyed many career paths including becoming a Sous Chef at one of Toronto’s top hotels, running an educational daycare, and being the Marketing Director of the family art business, before starting a book publishing company and writing the Pink Bear books. The third book in the series, My Friend Pink Bear at the Arena will soon be at the printers. My Friend Pink Bear in the Dark and My Friend Pink Bear at the Hospital are available at Indigo at the Mount Sinai Hospital, and the Indigo Yonge and Eglinton stores. Catherine is taking a short break from working on the Pink Bear series to focus on writing and publishing a biography on her biggest inspiration, her late Mother-in-law, Anne Isabelle McQuire Swartz, Belle. As well as being an incredible artist, Belle was an inspirational woman overcoming many personal struggles including being the sole caregiver to both of her parents and her husband Hugh for three years, only to lose them all within a year. Her art gave her the strength to continue, to cherish her three sons, and to welcome Catherine and many friends into her life.
Catherine pulls strength from her very supportive husband James, family and friends. The staff at Princess Margaret Hospital have been incredibly supportive during this new challenge. After every chemo therapy, Catherine hugs the stuffed Pink Bear that Alexandria made for her when she found out that her mom has cancer. Catherine’s excitement for publishing the biography on Belle and the many Pink Bear books keeps her focused and determined.
On Thursday February 12, 2026, Catherine is hosting “A Celebration of Support” for children that are battling cancer. From 11am to 2pm, Catherine will be giving away 100 copies of her book My Friend Pink Bear in the Hospital to children that are battling cancer. This is a free event at Indigo Spirit at Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Ave. Toronto M5G 1X5.