A Different Story (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781548432164)

Maya Grant was born with Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome. Maya shares her unusual experiences and advice for kids who might be in similar situations or face challenges with a disability. She continues her interest in writing, as well as horse-back riding, sewing, bicycling, reading, hiking, swimming, and hanging out with her brothers and dog, Mango. Maya spent the first 76 days of her life in the NICU and had three surgeries before she was 3-weeks old, plus other surgeries later. She has an uncommon toughness and a very pragmatic view of her life. Wise for her age, Maya does not define herself by her disability. She accepts her path and goes forward. She is a voice. She has lots to say. It seems that writing a book about her experience is a natural path for Maya. Who knows? Maybe after this, she might have more stuff to say. Connect with Maya at www.bubsmangomedia.com. Maya Grant is an interesting combination of sweetness, smartness and toughness. She is outspoken, strong willed, has a comment about everything. She sees and senses everything going on around her and has a way of framing things a bit differently and hitting right on the point. Maya is very sweet and loving. She loves animals, little kids, her grandparents, adores her brothers, and is highly fond of her dolls, whom she tries to sew for. She loves art and writing and is an avid and gifted reader. Hates math and doesn't like to study it. She picks up how to do stuff really fast. She sews with her grandmother, "RuRu," and after a bit of direction, she cuts out a doll's skirt, goes to the machine and sews it. She rides horses and loves to take care of them. She is fearless walking around huge horses and pushes them aside saying, "Get over." Maya has become a competent horsewoman with good balance in spite of the length and strength difference in her legs. She is in the special skiing program at Winter Park for kids with challenges, where they made her a special boot for her foot and she learned to snow board and loves it. Having two older brothers has been a big part of her being tough. No one in Maya's family has ever treated her like she is to be protected or shielded from her reality. She makes no complaint or excuse for herself. Her brothers have not hesitated in picking on her, yet, they love her and are her staunchest defenders. She does not define herself by her disability, but rather accepts her path and goes forward living her dream.