From rape to CPS to adoption to kidney transplantation, I have had to overcome many obstacles in my life. Born to a 15 year old mother, I’m a product of rape. I was adopted to the greatest parents in the world at the age of two, according to CPS I would only graduate high school, and at the age of seventeen I received a kidney transplant that I still have to this day. Although my journey in life has been bumpy, I have refused to give up and throw in the towel.
Get to know Jonathan:
What is your book about?
My book entitled “A Fighting Chance” is my first book/memoir based on the events of my life up to current day. Since birth I’ve had to overcome many obstacles; born to a 15 year old mother, I’m a product of rape. I was adopted to the greatest parents in the world at the age of two, according to CPS I would only graduate high school due to my lack of motor skills. At the age of fifteen, I was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure, and at the age of seventeen, after one failed transplant attempt, I received a kidney transplant that I still have to this day. Not only did I graduate high school, but I graduated from college and graduate school.
Why did you choose to write this book?
More often we are hearing about people who are suffering from kidney failure and are in need of a transplant, or have had a transplant. We also often times hear about children who have been in Child Protective Services for many years in fear of never being adopted. I have been through both processes, thus surviving each and every storm that has come my way in life. I feel that my journey can not only help people in everyday life, but show people that you can go as far in life as you want. That people in life might write you off, but it’s you that hold the pen and final word. My book is designed to inspire, to let people know that you can overcome anything, and that it’s not what people call you, but what you respond to that makes the difference.
Tell us why your writing is unique?
“A Fighting Chance” is unique because it’s a life that I live each and every day. From waking up every day and seeing my scares to the countless of pills that I’ve taken over the last eleven years. This title is unique because truth be told, we all look for a fighting chance in life. Be it a job, supporting your family, or just living a decent life, we all want and deserve that fighting chance. In a world full of No’s all we need is one Yes that will make a lifelong difference.
What can we look forward from you?
I am currently working on my second book, entitled “Hoop Dreams”. Along with the book will be a short film entitled the same. On September 22, 2013 I will be at the Authors and Autographs hosted by Friendship West Baptist Church where the Rev. Fredrick D. Haynes III is the senior pastor in Dallas, TX. And October 24-26, 2013 I will be in Houston, TX for the National Black Book Festival promoting “A Fighting Chance”.
Find the author:
Twitter: @kidneykronicles
