Saturday, May 8, 2010

a disease diagnosed... an author born

November 22, 2008 is the day my life changed forever. Only months ago, I was an innocent 10-year-old running around carefree.  Then Crohn’s disease forced me to become a prisoner in my house.  I wouldn’t dare try to walk in fear that my stomach would explode. Lying down on the couch, watching old reruns of “Full House,” I dreamed of a book with a child’s perspective of Crohn’s with the hope of finding a cure.  Google was the only option to search for my dream book, but all I found were medical versions only adults could understand.

As time progressed, and tons of medicine ingested, my life began to return to normal… almost. Even though I was feeling better, I always felt a pang of guilt, running around playing soccer when I knew other children were still very sick.  

Flashbacks of my dream of a children’s Crohn’s book pushed me to think if nobody else had the “guts” to write one, why couldn’t I?? For two months my fingers were sore from typing my special story about a girl who has Crohn’s disease, and through her determination, she finds a cure. Madison popcorn, snickers, and cashews were finally reunited!!

I believe, children with this serious illness will finally have something to look up to and something uplifting to read while they are feeling down.  Being 12 doesn’t mean that I can’t follow my dream.

~Grace Wilgucki


Our brave niece, Grace, is participating in the 2010 Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis Walkathon.  Please CLICK HERE to help her reach her $500 goal and help the effort in finding a cure.

If any children’s book publishers or agents are lurking out there, please contact me if you’d like to read Grace’s wonderful book.  Email: jeannevb2@gmail.com

7 comments:

  1. To Grace:
    As another "Crohn-ie" - I applaud you! Congrats for finding a way that works for your health and using it as a stepping stone and not a crutch...
    I can't wait to read your book when it's on the shelf.

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  2. This is super courage (apparently runs in the family!). I see it being published for sure. There is a need for literature on important subjects from children's perspective. I think it was only today that I stumbled upon some links that said something along those lines. Will keep a look out and definitely report back.

    gratitude for sharing, Jeanne.

    ~annie

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  3. You are so right, Grace. Age should not stop someone from following their dreams.

    I think your book will help so many children who are frightened and suffer from this disease.

    I love that you decided to have the guts to write one!

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  4. Thanks so much for all of your support! I am so proud of our Grace and know she'll navigate the publishing industry just as courageously as she's grabbed control over Crohn's. Love you guys for reaching out to her!

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  5. Grace, there is no age limit on ambition and dreams. Go for it. I loved your piece, especially your desire to help others through the ordeal. Also what a beautiful picture. Fingers crossed you get snapped up!

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  6. Grace, you write beautifully and authentically. I applaud you and your positive spirit! Bliss you! Gina SuuperG Stark

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  7. Grace, I have Crohn's and I'm a writer, too. You know, there will be a cure for Crohn's in your lifetime: keep the faith in that - and in yourself, because there is a huge source of strength inside you, whatever you want to call it or however you want to think of it; it's the most powerful light in the universe, right inside you. What you're doing is great. Keep writing.

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