In short? I wrote a childrens book celebrating the strengths of children with disabilities and I would like to get it published through an independent publishing company! I want to promote inclusive education. The book was inspired by a gorgeous young man called Fletcher, who has cerebral palsy that affects all four limbs, speech and sight. Any extra funding made during this campaign goes straight into importance physical therapy for Fletcher. If the book is funded, then 10% of book sales will also go straight back to Fletcher! Your donation is so valuble and important!

Read on for more information .

Well hello there generous people!

Over 4 million or 1 IN 5 Australians live with a disability.

1 IN 12 people living with a disability have experienced discrimination or unfair treatment because of their disability.

My name is Samantha Warne and I am a first time author hoping to publish a children's book called "A Friend Like Mine". This book is light-hearted, quirky and aims to normalize disability by celebrating individuals strengths and abilities.



I am a teacher and a disability support worker who had the privilege of working with many unique clients. One of my clients, Fletcher, is a FANTASTIC boy living with cerebral palsy. Fletcher's CP affects all four of his limbs, speech and eyesight.

Fletch is very aware of everything that goes on around him and is a captivating and vibrant kid in spite of the rough hand life has dealt him. It is impossible not to love Fletch, who has found his own ways of communicating even though he cannot speak!

Fletcher has touched so many people and I thought it would be fantastic to try and create a book that not only showcased his strengths, but the strengths of other children living with disabilities. My aim is to release the book and write a series of workshops targeting inclusive education. I believe that children need to been taught that just because someone is born different, does not mean they are born wrong!





I have chosen a partnership publishing company called Little Steps who subsidize part of the publishing costs. The company does not publish just any book, all projects must be approved and go through a rigorous quality controlled process, so while I am paying part of the cost I feel very lucky that Little Steps is so interested in my concept.

The money I am raising will allow me full creative rights and control over the editing and production of my book. As this story is so close to my heart, I would not feel right approaching more traditional publishing methods!

The total cost is:

$7880 for the professional packing + $2000 for illustrator.



Any extra money made during this campaign will go directly into extra physical therapies for Fletcher. Fletcher is one of just 3 Australians to take part in a rare trial using stem cells taken from the cord blood of his younger sister to try and trigger the formation of new neurological pathways. This means that there is a possibility Fletcher could regain the use of some of his limbs -- he could even talk again! Therefore, intensive therapy is crucial to make the most out of this opportunity -- therefore if I am successful in producing this book, I will also be donating 10% of book sales to Fletch and his amazing family.





This book is more than just a thing to read, so please share, comment and donate. Every dollar makes a different and anything you can spare would be appreciated beyond believe.

Thank you for your time!

Samantha



