New book offers positive message about self worth of all family members.
Hey, I’m Alex is a new book positively impacting the lives of families with special needs children. Author Leeann Pellegrin chronicles the experience of living with a special needs child through the eyes of a sibling.
The story is based on the author’s personal experience and originally started out as a tale for her youngest of five sons, Alexander, now 10.
“Out of a family of seven, Alex probably sacrifices the most for his older brother, Kyle,” Pellegrin said. Kyle, age 13, has Klinefelter’s syndrome and an extra X chromosome that results in delayed development.
“I was saying to Alex,” explained the author, “Hey buddy, I know what you go through, but remember, God gave us Kyle because he trusted us to take care of him and teach him.”
“And I also wanted him to know that there is something special in everyone and that all children in each family are loved.” “It’s so important for each child in a family to be aware of their own self worth, particularly in one with a special needs child who gets most of the focus,” Pellegrin said.
Hey, I’m Alex is published through Halo Publishing International. Publisher Lisa Umina said this book is unique in its perspective from a sibling of a special needs child. “It has a valuable message that I support and I know it will help families gain insight,” Umina said.
Pellegrin said she hopes Hey, I’m Alex will help to make parents aware of how a special needs child can affect his or her siblings and have a positive impact on the life of families.
The author is a tireless advocate for the disabled and volunteers for the Disability Action Center and the Special Olympics in the Fairmont, West Virginia community where she resides. Her sons range in age from 28 to 10. Pellegrin grew up in Sterling Heights, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, and returned to her parents’ hometown about 24 years ago. She is employed full time as a medical language specialist.
