Geneva businesswoman Sandy Gould had always wanted to create a cookbook to help people get a healthy dinner on the table.

After her son, Jason, was diagnosed with acute leukemia in 2003, he began to change his eating habits.

“When Jason was in remission he became a major health nut,” said Gould, owner of New Dimensions, a weight loss and lifestyle management company.  “He took the recipes I made that he grew up with and just made them healthier.”

After a year and a half in remission, Jason, a fifth-grade teacher in Oswego, relapsed in December 2004. He beat leukemia again, but was told that to survive, he would need a stem cell/bone marrow transplant. He had the transplant in May of 2005 but a rare viral complication brought an end to his battle Jan. 23, 2006.

To honor her son and support leukemia research, Gould, of Elburn, has partnered with Friends of New Dimensions and Friends of Jason Gould to produce a cookbook filled with healthy recipes.

Gould said Jason’s wish was to help others live healthy, meaningful lives. His words on his orange leukemia bracelet summed up how he felt: “Live for today — Life is a gift!”

“Not only is it a dedication, but 100 percent of the money is going for leukemia research purposes,” Gould said.

To date, more than 300 cookbooks, which feature modified versions of favorite recipes, have been sold.

Geneva resident Patricia Anderson, who participates in Gould’s group counseling, contributed a recipe to the book. Last fall, her sister-in-law passed away from cancer.

“We need to support these people that are trying to get more research going,” she said.

Anderson lauds Gould’s expertise.

“She’s not only a great teacher but she’s a wealth of knowledge,” she said.

Fellow participant Linda Pavlo was instrumental in helping to break down the nutritional value in each recipe for the cookbook.

“I’m retired. It gave me something to do,” she said with a laugh.

But the idea behind the cookbook was also her inspiration.

“I thought it was a really good fundraiser,” she said.

While some may balk at the notion that low-fat foods taste just as good, Gould said trying is believing. Some recipes include apple walnut salad, chicken enchiladas and Anderson’s roasted asparagus and mushroom.

“It’s a great way to do vegetables,” Anderson said.

Gould started New Dimensions in 1985 with the vision that long-term weight loss must incorporate significant lifestyle changes to be successful. Her program has four components: healthy, nutritional eating; a personalized walking/fitness program to increase metabolism; behavioral modification to improve eating and lifestyle habits; and exploring emotional and stress-related issues to develop more effective attitudes to make wiser food choices.

“It’s not just about weight loss but lifestyle management,” Gould said.

Want the book?
Cost: $17
Where to find it: New Dimensions, 2600 Keslinger Road
More info: (630) 262-1477 or (630) 554-5764