Erma Bombeck: Her latest book is called I Want To Grow Hair, I Want To Grow Up, I Want To Go To Bois [Getty Images]

CANADA - SEPTEMBER 29: Erma Bombeck: Her latest book is called I Want To Grow Hair, I Want To Grow Up, I Want To Go To Boise. Children with the disease were her toughest critics and her strongest inspiration. (Photo by Dick Loek/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Toronto Star Dick Loek