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by Heidi Simarro (Author)
Ten-year-old Eric loved watching hockey, and what better place to grow up than in a hockey-loving town! While watching his friends play one day, he suddenly experienced something he never had before: a seizure. His diagnosis? Epilepsy. Though scared and confused, his mother was right by his side to comfort him and told him, "We will figure this out."
As he waited for the day he would have surgery, his only comfort was found in watching hockey. That love for hockey continued after three successful brain surgeries, until one day, he decided he would learn how to play once he healed. While the seizures had not completely gone away, Eric did not let his diagnosis stop him as he worked hard and stayed positive to reach for his goal of learning how to play what he loved.
While a fictional retelling through the eyes of a child, Take Your Shot! was inspired by the author's husband's love for hockey and actual journey through his epilepsy diagnosis. The motivation and drive to keep reaching for his goals, despite his diagnosis and the challenges that came with it, were motivation to share his story with those who also have epilepsy, especially children. His story is one that will provide comfort and inspiration, inspiring young patients along with their loved ones to keep reaching for goals, despite an epilepsy diagnosis, and to never give up on their dreams.
