Kate grew up in Baton Rouge, enjoying a wonderful life filled with friends, family, gymnastics, and Girl Scouts. However, at the age of twelve, she was hit with a sudden and persistent shoulder pain. After seeking medical help, she received the unexpected and devastating diagnosis of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP). This news brought about significant uncertainty and raised numerous questions about her future. Despite the challenges, Kate found strength and support from her loved ones and the local community, who came together to provide unexpected assistance. Throughout her journey, she formed a close bond with her pen pal Amie, who also faced the daily struggles of living with FOP. Turning to her passion for storytelling, Kate began to journal her experiences and dreams, discovering comfort in the power of her words and the shared experiences of others. Drawing from Amie Specht’s own encounters with FOP, Kate and esteemed novelist Shannon Hitchcock created a moving and uplifting story that inspires readers to find courage and joy in the face of adversity, urging them to treasure every moment and seek strength in unlikely places.
Amie Darnell Specht 