CENTERVILLE —
Mark McConville, of Centerville, has been touched by the story of a little girl born with severe brain damage. And he wants to share that story with as many people as possible.
McConville’s friend, Julie Matsushima, is the grandmother of the girl, Aimee. Matsushima recently completed a memoir based on the early years of Aimee’s life and the many experiences the family went through learning to deal with Aimee’s special needs. It also tells the story of the special relationship that developed between grandmother and granddaughter.
McConville says he will be donating his copy of “For the Love of Aimee” to the Drake Public Library in Centerville.
To order a copy of the book go to http://fortheloveofaimee.com. Proceeds will help fund the That’s Amore foundation, which Matsushima began in 2001 to help children with special needs.
The back of the book tells the story.
It states, “Aimee and her twin sister were the first grandchildren born to Julie Matsushima, but the family’s joy at the birth quickly turned to panic when Aimee was diagnosed with irreparable brain damage. From those first heartbreaking days of Aimee’s life, as Julie sat at her bedside in the neonatal intensive care unit, a special bond formed between them. Even at only a day or two old, Aimee drew Julie in with a responsiveness that seemed to defy her grim diagnosis.
“For the Love of Aimee” invites you to share in the disappointments, challenges and amazing achievements Aimee and Julie experience as this grandmother and granddaughter embark on a journey to find a breakthrough for Aimee. As they travel around the world, seeking treatment and meeting many other families with children with disabilities. Aimee’s enthusiasm, confidence, sense of humor and positivity profoundly affect all who witness — in disbelief — her astounding accomplishments.
This incredible book will move and inspire you, particularly if your life has been touched by a child with special needs. Aimee’s extraordinary story shows that, without a doubt, supportive and involved parents and grandparents make every difference in the lives of children with disabilities.”
CNHI/SE Iowa
Related Photos
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Mark McConville with “For the Love of Aimee,” written by his friend Julie Matsushima about her life with her granddaughter. Photo by Krystal Fowler/Daily Iowegian
Discussion
Grandmother chronicles granddaughter's struggles and triumphs living with disabilities
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