Pinetown teen writes book to help other struggling children
After Abby was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, her mother realised that there are many children going through various difficulties and suggested that her daughter should pen her challenges into a book.
EVERYONE has a story to tell, and the book, Abby and the Wind, is a story that gives hope and spreads kindness.
The 36-page children’s book was written by Abbigail ‘Abby’ Strachan, a 13-year-old girl from Pinetown. It was illustrated by 12-year-old Audrey van Gelder.
Abby wrote the book when she could not attend school for a week.
“I was sick, and my mother suggested that I should write a book. I did, and I managed to finish it in three days,” said Abby.
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After going between the doctor and specialist, having her bloods taken and X-rays done, the doctors diagnosed Abby with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and she also has spondyloarthropathy.
“Abby came out of a two-week stay in hospital on November 27 in a wheelchair. She is now walking unaided. She has no more pain. God is so faithful, and we are so grateful for his healing,” said her mother, Jennifer.
She said Abby started getting strange pains in her joints when she was 11 years old.
“One week, it was her foot; the next, it was her elbow. And then her collarbone started hurting. Abby had not injured herself so this was really strange for her and her family. She was in between the doctor and specialist, having her bloods taken and X-rays done. She had more and more tests, but no one could see anything wrong. She became even more concerned after each test. The pain was getting worse and had spread to her ribs, and eventually, it even hurt to breathe,” said her mother, Jennifer.
“Abby was living on pain medication and was using a crutch to walk, making everyday life difficult and limited.”
This illness was a challenge for little Abby who could no longer do some of the things she enjoyed doing as a little girl.
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“She could not climb trees any more. She could not do cross-country or run on the playground with her friends. Some days, it is easy, and she can walk around a little wobbly. Some days, it is hard, and she needs to stay at home because the pain makes walking unbearable.”
Her mother said that with Abby’s illness, they have learned that there are many other children like her daughter who are going through the same or similar difficulties every day.
“If you do not have an autoimmune disease, it is very difficult for you to understand the challenges that children like Abbigail have.”
They chose the name for the book, Abby and the Wind, as everyone has ‘wind’ inside of them.
“Sometimes, it can be a disease or an illness. Sometimes, life at home can be really hard. Maybe parents are going through a divorce. Maybe someone close to you has died. Maybe someone is abusing you and treating you very badly. It is not always easy for children to explain their feelings. It is not always easy to open up and tell people what is happening at home.
“We are hoping that this book will make a way for children to say they are not okay without having to explain why. We realise there are many other children out there in the same predicament. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could help them, too!”
Abby added that they will be using 10% of the proceeds from these books to help other children who need medical care.
“We can all help in our own small way and make this world a kinder place to live in. Wouldn’t that be lovely?” she said.
To get a copy of the book, contact Jennifer on 083 362 3817.
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