MOORESVILLE, N.C. — An eighth grader from Mooresville is using her story to raise awareness for epilepsy.
Since her diagnosis in 2021, Emery Guenther's turned her journey into a children's book that helps others understand the challenges and triumphs of living with epilepsy.
Guenther was diagnosed with the condition in fourth grade. Confronting fear and uncertainty, she found strength and a was to share her story with others.
"We had gone to the library when I was first diagnosed, and there were not many children’s books on epilepsy so I decided to write my own," Emery, now 13, said.
Her book, "Sky's Strength," is a reflection of her journey, told through the lens of a different character — one inspired by her love for nature.
"We wanted to go with a nature theme because my family and I love to go hiking and enjoy nature," Emery explained.
But writing was only part of Emery's journey. She also navigated self-publishing, making the project even more personal by involving her cousin as the illustrator.
"It was just extra special with her being family, and she's a really great artist," Emery said.
The book serves a dual purpose: it doesn’t just tell a story but also provides coping tips for children and families facing epilepsy.
"Through her own experiences, Emery learned coping skills like slow breathing and grounding techniques, which she included in the book to help others," Emery's mother Leah said.
One of the most significant parts of the journey for Emery was finally sharing her “secret” with her friends and classmates.
"We actually made purple cake pops and brought them into class on National Epilepsy Day," she explained. "It was really special because everyone was so supportive."
Living with epilepsy hasn’t been easy for Emery, who still faces the fear of seizures.
"It's very challenging and scary ... that's probably my worst fear, just the shaking," Emery shared, visibly emotional.
Emery’s story has inspired others she hopes to place her book in libraries nationwide. Her mother has seen firsthand how this project has empowered her daughter and hopes it can support other families in the same situation.
"The goal is to help others find strength in their challenges, learn coping skills and feel less alone," Leah said.
And that’s exactly what Emery hopes "Sky's Strength" will bring to others. A reminder that even in the face of challenges, strength can be found.
During National Epilepsy Awareness Month, Emery and her family remind us of the importance of understanding and supporting those with epilepsy.
Anyone interested in purchasing a copy of Emery’s book can visit her website here.
Contact Sarah French at Sarah@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook and X and Instagram.