FRESNO, Calif. – The young girl at the center of an innovative book designed to uplift children with epilepsy joined the author for a special reading and book signing this weekend.
Eileen Martinez, whose own experience with epilepsy helped inspire “Room for Friends: A Story to Empower Kids with Epilepsy,” appeared alongside author Susie Harder at Barnes & Noble in Fresno on Saturday.
The book is the result of a collaboration between Valley Children’s Healthcare and Authorable.
“This book started almost two years ago as a simple question: how can we better empower kids with epilepsy? To be there with Eileen, sharing the story out loud, felt like watching that entire journey come full circle in the most meaningful way,” Harder said.
Families, patients and bookstore visitors gathered as Harder read the story aloud, with help from Eileen and Bryce Moore, another Valley Children’s epilepsy patient working to spread awareness. After, both Eileen and Bryce joined Harder to sign copies of the book for shoppers.
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“Early education fosters understanding and empathy and reduces stigma, creating more inclusive and supportive environments for kids affected by epilepsy and other differences,” said Madison Skillin, epilepsy program coordinator at Valley Children’s. “These events encourage curiosity, compassion and confidence, helping children learn not only about epilepsy, but also about acceptance, friendship and belonging.
The next phase of the outreach effort will involve patients bringing the book into classrooms to share their stories with peers, offering more opportunities for children to learn about epilepsy – and giving patients the opportunity to feel celebrated.
“For kids who have had a tough journey, giving them a day where they feel celebrated – where they feel seen, confident and proud – is such a gift,” Harder added.
To learn more about “Room for Friends” and Eileen’s story, click here. As of publishing, a limited number of copies of the book are available at Barnes and Noble in Riverpark.
More information about the Epilepsy Support Program at Valley Children’s can be found here.
