Connor and The Memory Bug Book Talk

Today was a fantastic day for Connor Books! Our 2nd book in the grade school series, Connor And The Memory Bug was featured at Lurie Children's Hospital. I had the opportunity to to read our book on the Storytime With Nanna show in the Panda Cares Center for Hope and televised on Skylight TV in patient rooms. It was a bit emotional seeing several beautiful children playing and creating in the Panda Center while knowing they are battling some type of illness. This beautiful space serves as the main respite area for all inpatients and their families, providing a variety of helpful activities, work spaces and rest areas. This space helped us when Cole was hospitalized after an episode.

Connor And The Memory Bug is such a compelling story centered around Connor, a young boy living with Panayiotopoulos Syndrome, which is a form of epilepsy. Through Connor's journey we explored themes of resilience, trust and communication as he navigated his way to diagnosis and thriving with his condition.

"There is no greater fear as a parent than seeing your child sick, not knowing what is causing the illness, and not sure how to help them. Our journey to diagnosis emphasized the importance of patient advocacy, culturally competent care and health equity, but it was also a lesson in trust. As a mother, I learned to truly trust my child as I watched him listen to and trust his body. I learned to trust myself and the "Mommy Spidey Sense" as I fought to get my son correctly diagnosed. It was a challenging time for both of us and writing this book about our experience helped us to cope with what was happening." Co-Author, Traci Dunn

"To all the kids out there who are sick or have something like my Memory Bug, it's ok. It may take time for the doctors to figure out what's wrong or to fix it, but you will get through it." Co-Author, Cole Dunn

We dedicated this book to Dr. Leon Epstein. "As the Division Head of Neurology at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, I came to you very upset with a host of complaints. You listened, took Cole on as a patient and diagnosed him, ending nearly a year of testing and agony of the unknown. We can't thank you enough for your compassionate care" -Traci & Cole Dunn

We are so very thankful to Lurie Children's Hospital and hope we gave a little bit back today by sharing our story.