From the moment our kids are born, we worry for their future. We actually project it, paint it in our mind with the happiest colors of optimism and the darkest shades of a natural parental concern. We have dreams for them, hopes, wishes. I think I started making wishes for my kids the moment I knew I was expecting them: wish for them to be healthy, happy, successful, able to embrace life to the fullest. I ardently hope they will. For many parents out there, the wish list can be a very short one: hope that their kids will make it to their next birthday.
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the Unites States. Although advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life expectancy, CF is still a life-threatening condition. For those children who suffer from it, the future is a luxury they won't set their hopes on, let alone make a wish.
Ravina Thakkar, an eight-grader from Plainfield, Illinois, loves to dance, listen to music and write stories. She has cystic fibrosis, but the disease hasn't stopped her from pursuing her dreams: her wish to become a published author someday has always been stronger than all the limitations imposed by her condition. And the intensity of her wishes is what really defines Ravina. Not her disease. Not a shorter life expectancy.
She was only eleven years old when, after winning a writing contest, she was referred to Make-A-Wish® Illinois by her hospital social workers. Thanks to the philanthropic foundation, Ravina was connected with Sourcebooks, one of the most innovative and forward-thinking publishers existing today in the US, and in two years time, Ravina saw her biggest wish come true.
Through Sourcebooks, Ravina Thakkar has experienced everything a published author does, from working with the editors to revise her manuscript and designing her book's cover with the art department, to planning her marketing campaign with her publicists. Ravina's debut novel, The Adventure Of A Lifetime, will be released on December 3 in trade paperback and will be available for purchase wherever books are sold. A middle-grade fantasy adventure, The Adventure Of A Lifetime tells the story of Betty, a 9-year-old girl who thinks her life is pretty boring, until she finds herself fighting battles alongside a fearless character from her favorite fiction series. As they race from one danger to the next, Betty learns that being a sidekick is no piece of cake and that being an action hero comes at a cost.
So, a story Ravina wrote when she was only 8 years old, comes to life today as a sum of wishes: Ravina's dream to leave her mark on the literary world, Sourcebooks' commitment to explore every platform to connect with readers and create breakthrough models, Make-A-Wish® Illinois' mission to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
So, a story Ravina wrote when she was only 8 years old, comes to life today as a sum of wishes: Ravina's dream to leave her mark on the literary world, Sourcebooks' commitment to explore every platform to connect with readers and create breakthrough models, Make-A-Wish® Illinois' mission to grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Ravina's publicity campaign will kick off with a book signing event at Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville, Illinois, on December 8 at 1 p.m., just days after her 14th birthday. My wish for her is that life will grant her many more memorable and joyful moments.
About Sourcebooks
Sourcebooks, one of the largest woman-owned book publishers in the country, is creating the next evolution of a book publishing company. With over 300 new titles each year, 120 enthusiastic book-loving employees, and 42 New York Times bestsellers, Sourcebooks believes that books have the power to touch people and change lives. For this reason, they are dedicated to finding new ways to connect with authors, readers, and ideas. Visit their website for more information.
About Make-A-Wish® Illinois
Since 1985, Make-A-Wish® Illinois has granted more than 11,000 wishes to children across the state with the support of 1,400 volunteers and numerous donors and other supporters. Make-A-Wish® Illinois grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich their lives with hope, strength, and joy. Visit their website to donate, refer a child, read about news and events.
About the book
The Adventure Of A Lifetime
by
Ravina Thakkar
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, December 3rd 2013,
Paperback, 128 pages
Paperback, 128 pages
"What you don't wish for will always be beyond your reach."
Michael Ende
Michael Ende
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