Author: Matthew Shea

Publisher: America Star Books

Published: 2015-02-02

Total Pages: 35

ISBN-13: 1635086434

This book is about a life worth living. I was born with a rare, genetic disorder called Sotos Syndrome, which caused me to grow faster, have some learning trouble and other disabilities making me seem different from most people. It tells about my life growing up in a wonderful family but also shows how Sotos Syndrome changed things. None of it was easy but with help from family and community, there was a lot of success. I also graduated from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, a four-year college. The purpose of this book is to spread the word not only about my life but also to raise the awareness of Sotos Syndrome and to encourage all persons who have it or live with someone who does. It is also a means to show and teach people who have never heard of it or who may have misunderstood the condition so they may understand better. The book may teach that a person with disabilities is the way he was made by God and that everyone's life is worth living with great success. From typical fights to disabilities, Matthew and his brother, Patrick, faced everything together as far as they could and when they could. They are two brothers who shared disabilities, not the same ones but conditions that were there for all to see. Matthew has a disability called Sotos Syndrome that has no cure. Patrick had different physical problems. None of this kept the boys from living as greatly and fully as well as they could. Both graduated from high school and Matthew has a college degree. Matthew lives in Portland, Oregon, helps in his church, works at his job and lives a great life. He tells about his Sotos Syndrome experiences, recognizes it as a disability and intends to show others that they, too, can do a lot, can achieve their hopes and dreams because life is worth living and getting the best is possible with lots of work.