LAUGHING AT MY NIGHTMARE by Shane Burcaw

Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy as a toddler, Shane Burcaw has spent almost his entire life in a wheelchair.  The disease causes a wasting away of muscle tissue causing increased weakness.  Shane made a choice early in his challenging life not to let his condition or his wheelchair change who he truly is as a person.  He is now in his early twenties, president of his own non-profit organization, and making a difference in the lives of others by embracing the idea that facing life with laughter works wonders.

In LAUGHING AT MY NIGHTMARE, Shane shares the good, the bad, and the ugly in his lifelong battle with a debilitating illness.  He expresses his gratitude to his parents and younger brother for treating him just like anyone else and believing he can do anything anyone else can do.  Shane attended public school and excelled despite the fact that he was admittedly goofing off most of the time.  His determination and creativity allowed him to participate in activities with his able-bodied friends and classmates which earned him their praise and acceptance.  He went on to attend college and graduated from Moravian College with a degree in English.

Shane discusses everything - his medical treatment, the help he requires with his physical needs, his emotional struggles, and complications in the area of relationships and physical intimacy.  He is candid, blunt, and of course, humorous to the point that readers will be chuckling aloud.  The intent of his story is to inspire others and encourage them to face challenges with laughter instead of tears.

I highly recommend LAUGHING AT MY NIGHTMARE.  To me it strongly resembles a teenage version of TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE as it emphasizes the positive in even the most negative of circumstances.