Young cookbook author Jack, 12, discovered cooking while looking for distractions from his diagnosis of leukemia. "I was just channel surfing, because I got bored of all the cartoon channels and I found the Food Network!" he recalls. "My favorites would probably have to be Bobby Flay, Guy Fieri, Rachael Ray — Rachael Ray does good sorts of comfort food that just really fits me." They inspired Jack to create his own recipes and the young kitchen whiz soon had enough for his own cookbook, Twist It Up, that's now in stores. Rach suprises Jack at his book signing and invites him to come to the studio and make his favorite Turkey Stroganoff . "It seriously took me a few seconds to realize it was even her, because I was so surprised," he says. "I am so excited, this is very much a dream come true for me!" And, to top if off, he says he is enjoying good health these days. "Every week I'm getting more and more strength, I'm getting better. I'm getting closer to where I want to be. I never take anything for granted ... normal is like the best for me!"

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Chef Jack Witherspoon