My husband Tim and I were blessed with our son, Joe, who was born with neonatal Marfan Syndrome. His courage and determination inspire us every day, as he continues to embrace new experiences despite physical challenges.

As parents, we encourage Joe to put himself out there. But often, peers respond with stares - intense and uncomfortable. At first, we didn't know how to handle it. That's when I discovered a new mission: to write a book about staring. Not only to educate children, but also to guide parents in helping their kids respond with kindness instead of silence. 

Telling children "don't stare" often teaches them not to engage. But engagement is powerful. A simple "hello" or compliment can make someone feel seen and valued. We've found that encouraging kids to ask respectful questions helps everyone. Once their curiosity is addressed - why someone wears leg braces or uses a wheelchair - the staring usually stops and connections are made. 

Through open dialogue and empathy, we can build a more inclusive and compassionate world. We hope Joe's story inspires others to choose understanding over silence and kindness over discomfort.