MADERA, Calif. – Valley Children’s Healthcare has partnered with Authorable to launch a new children’s book designed to empower young people with epilepsy and promote understanding among their peers.
Titled “Room For Friends: A Story to Empower Kids with Epilepsy,” the book was written by local author Susie Harder and introduces readers to an escape room-themed adventure. The story invites children with epilepsy to become the main character, guiding classmates through the narrative while sharing their own experiences.
“This book is designed to spark safe, open conversations with these kids’ classmates about epilepsy – reducing stigma and encouraging empathy,” said Caitlin Bernard-Vincent, epilepsy program manager at Valley Children’s. “They want others to understand them, so they don’t feel so alone, but often don’t know what to say or how to say it, especially when it comes to their peers.”
“They want others to understand them, so they don’t feel so alone, but often don’t know what to say or how to say it, especially when it comes to their peers.”
Caitlin Bernard-Vincent, Valley Children’s Epilepsy Program Manager
The book includes personalized sections where children can add their own words and stories, making each copy unique to the reader’s experience.
The project was developed in collaboration with Authorable, an after-school enrichment program that helps students explore writing and publishing. Valley Children’s is the first hospital in the country to adopt this “By Kids, For Kids” storytelling model.
“Room For Friends” is the first installment in a planned series that will highlight the voices of children living with various medical conditions. The goal is to foster inclusive learning environments, strengthen peer connections and build a greater sense of community.
