This picture book was created for young children who are in need of a solid organ transplant. It was developed by two dedicated Social Workers at the University of Michigan Transplant Center to give these children and their families something to put them more at ease with the organ transplant process and to help them understand that they are not alone. The bright and colorful illustrations appeal to a child's eye. Simple text accompanies each illustration. A direct question (e.g. "Will I have stitches or a scar?") on one page is answered on the facing page, beneath an original illustration (e.g. "Your doctor will use stitches or a special kind of glue to help your body heal from the surgery. After the stitches come out, you will have a scar. This will always remind you of how brave you were!"). This book is the perfect accompaniment for young children who may need a transplant, as well as for siblings and other family members who have questions and would appreciate some assistance on how to talk about the transplant process.
What do you do when you have to choose between saving a life or saving yourself? Renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Athan Carras’s first concern has always been the welfare of his patients. Then he’s approached by the very wealthy and even more powerful Terry Flynnt—a man who is used to getting what he wants, no matter what. Flynnt’s son is dying, and his only chance of survival is to receive a donor heart—one that Terry intends to obtain by whatever means necessary. Athan is immediately opposed to performing an illegal and immoral operation, but Flynnt is not about to let that stop him. Now, caught in the crosshairs of a man with unlimited means and influence, Athan finds his own life—and the lives of those he loves—being torn apart. And he will have to decide how far he’s willing to go, and what he is willing to sacrifice…
How Billy (the Kidney) Earned His Name is a story intended for elementary school age children and older who are experiencing kidney failure. This story aims to introduce the experience of kidney transplant to children-who better to explain transplant than a kidney with a sense of humor? The authors hope that this book makes medical procedures easier for children who are coping with the challenge of kidney transplant. Billy loved his job in "The Body," turning trash into urine (just a fancy word for "pee"). His world gets even better when he experiences a great big adventure. Billy describes his motivation for keeping the "New Body" strong and healthy and expresses gratitude for all she does to keep him healthy too.
Kinsey's Kidney Adventure is an educational children's book based on the real-life journey of a brave little girl who must confront the realities of organ donation after being diagnosed with a rare medical condition. Kinsey's story teaches children the value of compassion, courage, and resilience in the face of hardship.
School bullying is universally decried, bemoaned, and condemned. Newspapers, magazines, television, and movies all reflect the ugly truth ... bullying is not only on the rise, but becoming more dangerous every day. Whether it's a teenager committing suicide as a result of a Facebook posting or a group of schoolchildren taunting another autistic child and filming it for the "entertainment" of others, the longest-lasting, deepest-scarring impact of bullying is emotional, not physical. Failure to understand this has handicapped an already-insipid series of failed "solutions." Heart Transplant is aimed at actually *changing* the way we deal with perhaps the most critical issue for children and parents alike today. To accomplish this mission, an entirely new medium was created. Neither a graphic novel nor a self-help book, it uses elements of both to deconstruct bullying, and to offer both teens and their parents the true "facts of life." Nine-year-old Sean's only experience with parenting was the series of men his alcoholic mother made him call "Daddy." He knows he doesn't belong ... anywhere. And never will. He sees himself as others see him: Outsider. When Sean comes home from school one day, he opens the door to a pair of corpses — his latest "father's" attempt at dope-dealing ended badly. The police arrive, the bodies are bagged, and the "Welfare lady" is telling Sean how much he's going to love his new foster home when an older man suddenly crosses the threshold. He tells the social worker that he's the father of the dead man, so that makes him responsible for his "grandson." And he offers Sean a choice: come and live with him, or take his chances with foster care. Life with the man Sean comes to call "Pop" is Paradise compared to the past. A brilliant and hardworking student, Sean finally has someone to show his report card to ... and he listens to Pop harder than he ever did to a teacher. Still an Outsider, yes, but now there's one place on earth where he knows he's always welcome. And always safe. But puberty brings Sean into a new world; a world where he is bullied every day ... a world where his status as "Outsider" is confirmed in endlessly cruel ways. He never complains, but Pop quickly discovers the truth. When Sean protests that "It didn't hurt." his real father responds that he knows that's a lie ... because when his son is hurt, he hurts, too. This is Sean's first experience with empathy, and his first understanding of emotional abuse. His understanding of bullying comes later ... when Pop shows him not only its true roots, but its antidote. Pop gives his son what he needs most: A heart transplant. It is not until after Pop's death that Sean learns the special sacrifice his father had made to give him that transplant, and that final understanding is Sean's ultimate legacy. Timely and confrontational, HEART TRANSPLANT is the gripping story of young boy's transformation from bullied "outsider" to true manhood. The universality of this work is such that what Sean learns is communicated to bullied children and their parent(s) alike. It speaks with a truth that cannot be denied, but also with a response that can be replicated.
You're in need of a living kidney donor, but you're not sure how to go about the process. You've been told to share your story with family and friends-but striking up a conversation about your need for a kidney transplant (and search for a living kidney donor) is the most nerve-racking conversation you can imagine. Whether you're trying to avoid dialysis or be "free of the machine," this book can help get you there. In Pursuit of a Better Life provides communication principles, campaign strategies, template letters and old fashion relationship skills that can instantly create a desire to help. In this book, the author shares strategies taught in her motivational seminars and webinars, and with her mentoring and coaching clients. Living her best life possible as a preemptive (live-donor) kidney transplant recipient, the author invites her readers to proactively engage as their own best advocate and "join her at the top," where dreams do come true. Known as the quintessential marketing plan for finding living kidney donors, this book reveals strategies rarely discussed in your doctor's office or transplant center. Uncover this wildly successful path for attracting potential kidney donors today! ABOUT THE AUTHOR The highlight of Risa Simon's life was the day an unexpected, unrelated, living kidney donor offered to give her a kidney and tests revealed a sister-like match. That day didn't come easy-and it might never have if she wasn't willing to become a proactive contender, competing for her best life possible. Risa knows all too well what it's like to be a kidney patient trapped in a hopeless sinkhole headed towards dialysis. As she watched her renal function numbers decline, her emotions escalated. The thought of surrendering her sense of control over her future consumed her thoughts and immobilized her dreams. Unwittingly, she discovered a new paradigm after attending a kidney patient conference. The presentation she attended caused an awakening that compelled her to stand before her disease and use her voice to proactively secure her best choice - a transplant before dialysis. Today, Risa is living her best life ever as a preemptive (live-donor) transplant recipient. Her passion for helping others reflects in the names of her principal firms, The Proactive Path and the TransplantFirst Academy, a non-profit (501c3) organization leading the way to better outcomes. As an enthusiastic "positive-disruptor," she's dedicated her life to inspiring eligible kidney patients to bypass dialysis (or become dialysis-free) by proactively seeking live-donor transplant opportunities. Known for her trailblazing patient empowerment strategies, she invites her fans and followers to "join her at the top" - where dreams can come true.
Unlock the secrets of turning your backyard bounty into a thriving market presence with "From Garden to Market Stand." This comprehensive eBook is the ultimate guide for aspiring market gardeners eager to transform their passion for produce into a profitable business. Dive into the rich history and evolution of market gardening, understand different soil types, and learn how to build soil health that promotes productivity. Discover the art of choosing the perfect niche market, from heirloom varieties to rare crops, to set your garden apart. Master advanced soil management techniques, including composting, green manures, and no-till approaches, to keep your garden sustainable and efficient. Planting strategies are crucial, and this book covers everything from seed starting and transplant techniques to direct seeding for optimal yields. Water management is handled with expert tips on conservation and irrigation, ensuring your garden flourishes even in drought conditions. Tackle pest problems with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods, using natural and balanced ecosystem strategies. Harvesting becomes an art form with methods for determining readiness, efficient techniques, and post-harvest handling and storage. Once you've reaped your rewards, learn how to build a brand and market presence that captivates. Uncover strategies to attract customers with stunning displays and leverage social media to expand your reach. "From Garden to Market Stand" also guides you on selling at market stands, optimizing pricing strategies, and retaining loyal customers. Ready to grow beyond the market? Explore avenues like Community Supported Agriculture, partnerships with local businesses, and online marketplaces. Financial management, sustainable practices, community building, and future market trends round out this indispensable resource. This eBook is your one-stop guide to achieving market gardening success. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, this book will help you cultivate your passion and watch it grow.
“Lindsay Harrel has penned a charming story that is sure to touch the hearts of her readers. Through the stories of Megan and her sister Crystal, readers get a glimpse of adventure, restoration, conquered fears, and realized dreams. Lindsay will no doubt win readers with this heartfelt story.” —Lauren K. Denton, USA TODAY bestselling author of The Hideaway and Hurricane Season, on The Heart Between Us From award-winning author Lindsay Harrel comes a powerful story of adventure, healing, and learning how to live life to the fullest. Megan Jacobs always wished for a different heart. Her entire childhood was spent in and out of hospitals, sitting on the sidelines while her twin sister Crystal played all the sports, got all the guys, and had all the fun. But even a heart transplant three years ago wasn’t enough to propel Megan’s life forward. She’s still working as a library aide and living with her parents in her small Minnesota hometown, dreaming of the adventure she plans to take “once she’s well enough.” Meanwhile, her sister is a successful architect with a handsome husband and the perfect life—or so Megan thinks. When her heart donor’s parents give Megan their teenage daughter’s journal—complete with an unfulfilled bucket list—Megan connects with the girl she meets between the pages and is inspired to venture out and check off each item. Caleb—a friend from her years in and out of the hospital—reenters her life and pushes her to find the courage to take the leap and begin her journey. She’s thrown for a loop when Crystal offers to join her for reasons of her own, but she welcomes the company and the opportunity to mend their tenuous relationship. As Megan and Crystal check items off the bucket list, Megan fights the fears that have been instilled in her after a lifetime of illness. She must choose between safety and adventure and learn to embrace the heart she’s been given so that she can finally share it with the people she loves most. “A sweet story of sisterhood, familial bonds, sacrificial love, and finding your own identity amidst the storms of life. Poignant with tender moments, as well as laughter, The Heart Between Us is a touching novel that is sure to please.” —Catherine West, author of Where Hope Begins “I love this story of facing our fears. Harrel pens a clever, well-written love story between two sisters, the men in their lives and the dreams of a heart donor. Life is more f letting than we know, and this timeless story reminds us to love well.” —Rachel Hauck, New York Times bestselling author, on The Heart Between Us “The Heart Between Us is an absolute gem of a story. The intriguing premise drew me in from the start, but it was the authentic characters and their relatable struggles that kept me reading. I especially loved getting to travel vicariously through Megan and Crystal! A heart-tugging, not-to-be-missed book from an author who belongs on your keeper shelf.” —Melissa Tagg, author of the Walker Family series
