TIME FLIES SO FAST!

It has been almost a year now since the book was published. Because of the internet, it has been easy for people who survived meningococcemia and underwent amputations, along with their family and friends, to access the book. We hope that it will continue to reach and help those who seek comfort and inspiration from Sheila's experience.

Amputee Coalition of America 2010 National Conference

The 2010 ACA National Conference was held recently in Irvine, CA from August 26 to 29.  Sheila was one of the attendees sponsored by the NYU Amputee Support Program.  Because she was the only quadruple amputee in the group, a close family friend, Jo Lampa, accompanied her.  She really enjoyed being part of the conference and even got to see her cousin, Piah (the editor of the book) and her husband, Aaron, who happen to live in Irvine.  Small world, huh?  It was her first trip by plane since her illness. 

The Book Has Gone Global!

Every once in a while, I "google" the book to see where it is being sold.  Of course, it is not available in brick-and-mortar stores but, so far, it is sold online in the US, Canada, UK, France, Italy, Norway, Finland, India, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

But how come it is not available in the Philippines?  Sadly, even for a color-interior paperback, it would be too expensive for most due to the prohibitive shipping costs.

SHEILA'S BLOG

I follow Sheila's blog (http://sheilamaya.blogspot.com ) and read it with interest, not just because she is my niece but also because it gives me an insight to what she faces everyday. I sometimes go to StumpsRUs.org website and read the Questions/Answers. So many people who have lost their limbs are looking for answers or just want to connect with those who are in the same situation. It is fortunate that there are quite a few organizations who provide support and assistance to amputees like StumpsRUs, Lessthanfour, Amputee Network Blog, Amputee Coalition of America, etc.

A Life Reclaimed - The Background

Sheila, her mom, and I talked about documenting Sheila's experiences for many years but only decided to develop it as a book in Spring 2007. From Sheila's notes and contributions, recollections, and photos from various family members and friends, I started writing her story in September 2008. After several layers of editing, the book slowly took a form of its own.

In April 2009, I started painting Sheila's portrait which I always intended to use for the book cover. After putting the final touches on the manuscript and working closely with the book designer on the interior and cover design, the book was finally published on September 30, 2009.

STUMPS R US - Update

Correction please; my article about Sheila will appear in the winter issue of the Gimpy newsletter of Stumps R Us. Sorry!!!

STUMPS R US

In May 2010, I sent an article about Sheila and a few photos to Stumps R Us, a support group for amputees all over the world. They will publish it in their next Gimpy newsletter, probably sometime in July. Watch out for it!

http://www.stumps.org/

Sheila's Blog

At last, Sheila has her own blog (http://sheilamaya.blogspot.com/). Do check it out.

Why I wrote A Life Reclaimed

People always ask me "How are book sales coming along?" And I respond, "Not well but it happens - sometimes." And then I think "But that isn't why I wrote the book". I embarked on the project with Sheila and the rest of the family to record what happened to her and to share her experience with others. It would be nice if the book sales took off but we are thankful for other things. A lot of people have been touched by the book. Hanna from Finland and Samantha from Canada have written to me (see previous posts) and have remained in contact with us, particularly with Sheila. Indeed, it is good to know that Sheila's story has made a difference to some. And that is something to be grateful for.

Fight for Sheldon

I recently heard from Samantha Keller of London, Ontario. Her friends' 5-month old baby, Sheldon, has meningitis and is fighting for his life. Sheila, her mother, Piedad (my sister), and I have been in touch with her. Let's keep our fingers crossed for Sheldon. For those who want to keep track of his progress, Fight for Sheldon is on Facebook.

Less Than Four.org

Sheila has joined Less than Four.org (http://lessthanfour.org/), an online community for amputees around the world, and has invited Hanna Latvus of Finland to join as well.

A Life Reclaimed Book Cover

This is the portrait I did of Sheila, which is the front cover of A Life Reclaimed.

Sheila's Youtube videos

Sheila has a couple of short youtube videos which I'd like to share with you. Here are the links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWFsScU-21g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0rfG-Kz