My Brand New Leg, is a story of courage, acceptance, friendship and overcoming obstacles. It’s the short story of a little girl who has lost her leg because of cancer. While at school one day she meets and is challenged by another girl who is curious about what activities the main character can perform with a prosthetic leg. She learns that the main character can do the same things she can, such as ride a bike and run a race. The story is told in rhymes (a la Dr. Seuss). The rhythm, coupled with the beautiful illustrations, make the story easy and fun to read.
Paralympic medalist April Holmes writes, “I absolutely loved the book and would recommend it to people of all ages, not just children.”
James Decapita of ABI Orthotic and Prosthetic Labs, a subsidiary of Hanger O and P Inc. writes, “I believe it should be placed in all prosthetic facilities for people to view.”
Amputee Coalition of America librarian, Meredith Goins, calls it “A delight to read such a realistic portrayal of a child talking to others about her Brand New Leg.”
My Brand New Leg will be placed in the library of the Amputee Coalition of America.
WHY I WROTE MY BRAND NEW LEG:
Sometimes I get the strangest looks from people when I tell them about the topic of My Brand New Leg. It’s not until I explain that that story is fun and inspirational that they get a clearer picture.
Then they usually want to know why I chose the topic of a little girl who lost her leg. You’re probably wondering that, too. So, let me explain.
My dad, Dennis “Buck” North, suffered from diabetes. When he was in his late 50’s the disease began to rob him of his sight. Little by little he saw less and less. Just as he was nearing 70 he developed ulcers on the heels of his feet. Like many diabetics, his circulation had become poor. In October 1999 he developed gangrene and had three toes amputated on his right foot. In December his right leg was amputated below the knee. A few months later his left leg was amputated above the knee.
During one of Dad’s hospital stays a woman who knew my mother stopped into my Dad’s room to chat. Her granddaughter was with her. The little girl was about 8-years-old. I couldn’t help but notice how she never took her eyes off my dad’s missing right leg. She inched closer and closer to the bed. I could see the words forming on her lips. Finally, she just blurted out, “What happened to your leg?” Dad told her he had been sick and his doctor’s had to cut it off. She asked him if it hurt and a number of other questions, now standing right at the bed rail. He answered her questions in a manner that she was able to understand and let her know that it was all right to ask. That’s what My Brand New Leg is designed to do. It’s also designed to teach lessons about perseverance, acceptance, friendship and that living with disabilities doesn’t have to mean living with limitations.
My dad died November 4, 2000. A few months after he passed I was sitting on my sofa thinking about him and I decided to write My Brand New Leg. The book provided a wonderful way for me to cope with my grief. At the same time I was able to create a story that will honor my father by helping and inspiring others.
