Penn Cambria appreciates alum’s ‘I Love You Like ...” book donation

Anyone who knows Scott Sutton, a Chest Springs native and 2000 graduate of Penn Cambria High School and ’04 graduate of Lycoming College, knows he has a big heart.

Sutton is known for always having a big smile and a caring personality, and it’s possible he has never said a negative word about anyone.

That’s why it is no surprise that, even in his toughest times, Sutton has remembered his alma mater with a donation.

Sutton recently published “I Love You Like ...” a children’s book that is available on Amazon. According to Sutton, he was living a charmed life at the age of 34. Married to his childhood friend, Anne (Stoltz), whom he met in middle school, and raising an infant son – he was thriving in a successful career.

But, Sutton learned of Stage IV neuroendocrine cancer, a rare and life-changing disease that began in his lungs and has rapidly spread with tumors developing throughout his body.

It was two years after that diagnosis that Scott published the book, dedicated to his 3-year-old son, who is named after his best friend and co-author, Alec Traub.

Illustrated by Glenn Zimmerman, an animator with a Garfield Studio, Paws Inc., the book follows the story of a young grasshopper who repeatedly interrupts his workbound dad with the important question, “How much do you love me?”

According to Anne, the book’s concept sprang from Scott’s and Traub’s efforts to maintain a long-distance friendship on opposite coasts.

“In closing emails, the former co-workers would try to outdo the other with a funny I miss you like ... quip,” she explained. “One led to another and became part of their everyday exchange. They never expected at the time that the jokes would one day become a father’s legacy.”

Scott said the book started out as something he would give his son to remember his father by, but now it means much more.

“To see so many families reading with their kids and getting so much enjoyment out of the story means so much,” Scott said. “It feels good to say I completed a project I started years ago with a good friend.”

“Scott is very much someone who always felt it was important to give back,” Anne said. “Even when people gave us donations to help with medical expenses, he promised to pay it forward someday. When the book was finally finished, one of the first things we talked about was how to get copies to Penn Cambria libraries.”

And, that’s what the Suttons did. They provided six copies of the book to the district. Superintendent William Marshall was grateful for the donation, and is proud of the PC grad.

“I emphasize that we are a family at Penn Cambria,” Marshall said.

“We are touched by the donation, but also touched by the story. We are proud of Scott. The teachers and students love the book and we are so appreciative of the donation.”

While battling the illness from his hospital bed, Sutton has still taken time to sign copies of the book, communicate with all who are in touch, and provide comments for publicity on his book. His personal story has gained attention from many who were compelled to provide funds to assist in the medical coverage. All continue to pray for his comfort and health through the battle.

tribdem@tribdem.com