Retired Local Journalist and Author Releases Book Raising Awareness for Children with Disabilities

David McElhinney, author and retired North Bureau Chief at Trib Total Media, released the first in a series of children’s books about his son Adam’s journey growing up with a disability. Wanting to be like his dad, Adam started keeping a journal around 10 years old and has continued daily journaling into adulthood. David turned Adam’s journal into a heartwarming book series, giving readers a unique view of life through the eyes of a child with disabilities.

The main character Gerald has a kind, caring attitude that shines throughout the book series. David commented about the books, “As the father of a child with special needs, his life inspired me to write this book. If even one child reads the book and is motivated to be kind and inclusive, then I think it's worth it.”

McElhinney is donating 70% of proceeds from the first book in the series, “Gerald’s Journal, The Life of an Everyday Hero,” to Easterseals Western and Central Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Easterseals Western and Central Pennsylvania provides programs and services for children and adults with disabilities across 47 counties in Western and Central Pennsylvania. Jim Bennett, President and CEO of Easterseals Western and Central PA commented, “Gerald’s Journal is an excellent story of how children growing up with disabilities desire to be accepted and included just like any other child.”

You can find “Gerald’s Journal, The Life of an Everyday Hero,” on Amazon at www.amazon.com. For additional details about Easterseals Western and Central Pennsylvania’s programs and services, visit www.eastersealswcpenna.org. Easterseals Western and Central Pennsylvania is leading the way to 100% equity, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities, families, and communities.