Monday, October 8, 2012

Jayden's Story

Natalie Bahm is here today. As you're about to see, Natalie is one of the sweetest people I know!

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A Book to Help a Baby

A few years ago, I wrote a middle grade adventure called The Secret Underground. It’s about a group of kids who dig a tunnel to an abandoned steel mill.  There’s danger and fun and friendship and a few scary bank robbers (think Goonies).  It’s always been really special to me because it was the first book I finished that I was really proud of.

A little over a week ago, The Secret Underground was finally released. All of the profits will go to a sick baby named Jayden and his family.

Jayden is a sweet two-year-old with major health problems. He's the same age as my youngest child, but he’s only half his size.  Jayden struggles to put on weight and is constantly in the hospital because he has no reserves when he gets sick.  He’s been near death more than once, but has shown that he’ll fight to hang on.

His family has been through so much.  Along with the stress and anxiety of dealing with Jayden's condition, they're also struggling financially, due to the massive burden of caring for a chronically ill child.

Jayden’s grandmother is my critique partner.  When she told me about the trials that Jayden and his family were facing, I knew I needed to do something to help. I called up agent, Sara Megibow, and asked if we could do a book for him.  She thought it was wonderful idea, so with the support of Nelson Literary Agency, we published The Secret Underground. 

You can read more about the project and Jayden here. The paperback version of The Secret Underground is available on Amazon.  The eBook can be purchased just about anywhere eBooks are sold.  The audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon and iTunes.  The paperback will be in more online bookstores soon.

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See! Told you Natalie was a sweetie!! Hope you're inspired to pick up a copy of the book! :)


34 comments:

Beth said...

How sad that baby Jayden suffers from such health problems, but how wonderful that the writing community has rallied around him. Both Natalie and the Nelson Agency have really gone out of their way to help Jayden and his family, and I'm truly impressed by their kindness. I'm on my way to follow the link to the Secret Underground.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Natalie, that was a wonderful thing to do for Jayden.

Natalie Aguirre said...

How awesome Natalie that you are committing the proceeds to help Jayden. Glad to see so many bloggers shouting out about this.

Jemi Fraser said...

Beth - I agree! Natalie and her team are doing an amazing thing here. So glad to be able to help spread the word. :)

Alex - I know! She's such a sweetie.

Natalie - me too, she's doing such a nice thing!

Old Kitty said...

All the best for Natalie and Jayden!

Take care
x

Anonymous said...

Natalie has done an AWESOME thing for Jayden!

Jack said...

I know of another family with a little boy who is suffering from an illness. He has to spend all his time in hospitles too and I know how hard it is on his family. The bills, and worry for him, and the struggle. Which, makes me even happier you found a way to help Jayden's family. I think it is a wonderful idea, and I am going to buy a copy.

Thank you for posting about this, and for the help you are offering the family. I am going to be praying for them.

Allons-y

Natalie said...

Thank you so much, Jemi! And thanks to everyone else too. Jayden's family has been through so, so much and I'd love to see this book make a difference for them.

Jemi Fraser said...

Old Kitty - thanks! :)

Susanne - she really has!! :)

Jack - thanks so much. It's so hard to see a little one who isn't well. I wish we could make it all better.

Natalie - you're so very welcome. I bet you'll make a big difference in their lives!

Anonymous said...

God Bless Jayden! We've been down that same road and its not an easy road to travel.

J.L. Campbell said...

This is an inspiring story.

Jemi Fraser said...

Stephen - it sure isn't. I'm hoping Natalie's book will help them out!

Joy - I know! Natalie is such a sweetie :)

SC Author said...

That is so sad, and so uplifiting at the same time. It is so amazing that Natalie would do this for him! My thoughts go out to them all :)

Jemi Fraser said...

SC - I agree - these are some amazing people!! :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

This is a truly beautful thing to do for Jayden.

Anonymous said...

Natalie is doing a beautiful thing.

I have my copy. I look forward to reading it.

Jemi Fraser said...

Lynda - it really is!

Medeia - she is. I have my e-copy. Have to wait for Amazon.ca to stock the paper backs though!

DMS said...

This book sounds so good and Natalie has such a big heart. This is a story that pulls at my heartstrings. I hope to get the book this week.

Leslie S. Rose said...

What a wonderful way to show the love. I'm off to buy the book.

Arlee Bird said...

What a wonderful project. The book sounds like a fun story as well.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Jemi Fraser said...

Jess - awesome! The book sounds a lot of fun - add in Jayden's story and it's a must buy!

Leslie - thanks! I know Jayden's family will appreciate it!

Lee - I agree. Great book to support a great little one

DEZMOND said...

such a generous author! Good luck to all of them in their battles.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

I'm so happy to see the outpouring of support here for Jayden and his family. Hugs to everyone involved in helping them.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

And, of course, to Natalie for offering so much! She has a huge heart.

Michelle Wallace said...

All the best to Natalie and her son!

Michelle Wallace said...

Sorry... typo error... I meant to say Natalie and Jayden... aaargh, the computer is freezing on me again and it's sometimes difficult to type properly...

Jemi Fraser said...

Dezzy - thanks! I know the money will make a difference :)

Tricia - she really, really does! I know the money will help

Michelle - I hate when things like that happen - you need to delete and it posts instead. No worries - we know what you mean!!

Cynthia Chapman Willis said...

My heart breaks for little Jayden and his family. What a wonderful thing Natalie is doing.

Jemi Fraser said...

Cynthia - agreed! I was just thinking about you today - I gave Buck Fever to a reluctant reader in the class. Hope it works! Also hope you're doing well :)

Romance Book Haven said...

What a lovely considerate thing Natalie did for baby Jayden.

Nas

Jemi Fraser said...

Nas - I know! She's a total sweetheart!! :)

Carol Kilgore said...

What a wonderful thing to do. Thanks for sharing here to get the word out.

Lisa Gail Green said...

OMG! I will I will! Please keep us posted on Jayden's condition.

Jemi Fraser said...

Carol - you're very welcome! I hope the family gets lots of support!

Lisa - yay! I hope Natalie's big heart pays off for the family with a ton of support.