Published Author

John always thought about writing a book, the problem was – the subject. What would the genre be? Fiction, Non-Fiction, Biography, Mystery or Adventure/Action, so many choices, enough to delay his dream for several years.

Finally, it hit him. The subject was right in front of him all the time. Why not write about his youngest son born premature with cerebral palsy. His life from birth was a steady mix of struggles, disappointment, successes and stereotypical bias. He felt the story would be a source of hope and inspiration for other families facing the same future, and a valuable resource for professionals to help them understand the human side of those living with a disability.

“What makes this book different from other true stories about the struggles and successes of a child with disability, is the realism of the portrayal of the inevitable ups and downs of growing up with challenges. His story is one that parents of children who have any type of physical, learning or emotional challenges can read and feel hopeful and encouraged.”

– Sue Garber by parents, M.A. Parent Education Coordinator, Children’s Health Council, Palo Alto, California –

A passion for advocating accessibility and inclusion for everyone drove his dedication to complete the book. The project took more than two years from concept to reality to complete. It went on to become a series of three books which told the story from pre-birth to the completion of college.

“Held Back by Nothing Means Never Saying Never, clearly points out it takes a cooperative effort by parents, teachers, medical practitioners, therapists and friends to provide the nurturing support the child with challenges needs to be successful.”

– Coenraad Schoo, Teacher (Retired), Melbourne, Australia –

Parents of children living with a disability will be able to empathize with the stories in the book, the highs, the lows, the struggles and mountains to be climbed and how John’s family approached them. Stories of parents who have lived through these issues are much more believable than advice from “experts”. Being Held Back by Nothing Means Never Saying Never, is a must-read, a book from someone who has lived through it, a story of struggles and solutions, an inspirational story of hope and a never say never journey through life.

“Held Back by Nothing Means Never Saying Never” is filled with heartwarming examples of situations every family with a child with disabilities can relate to and draw important guidelines from. If you are able to use just one idea from this book, it could dramatically improve the chances of a successful future for your child.”

– Dr. James Isreal, Chief of Medical Staff/Vice President Medical Affairs (Retired), Orthopedic Surgeon (Retired), Grand River Hospital, Kitchener, Ontario –