Square Circle Press LLC

I Know You Won't Forget

Story by Truly Blessed Ink
Illustrations by Carol Jordan

ISBN-13: 978-0-9789066-1-0
ISBN-10: 0-9789066-1-6
LCCN: 2007901754
Retail Price: $16.95
Physical: 40 p.; 10x8, color, casewrap hardcover
Pub. Date: September 2007
Publication Information Sheet (PDF)

Ordering information at right ==>>

Book Summary

I Know you Won't Forget is a story about a young boy whose mother suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI). After being embarrassed by and ridiculed for his mom's inability to act according to their community's idea of "normal" behavior, the boy helps his mom with coping strategies, showing how a TBI affects everyone in a family and how issues can be resolved. Suitable for readers ages 8 and up.

The book was written by a group of TBI survivors participating in a structured day program through Living Resources in Albany, NY. Conceived as part of a group therapy project, the book has given the clients a sense of pride and accomplishment which many mundane activities do not provide. The book's illustrator is also a TBI survivor, professional artist Carol Jordan.

Book preview (PDF)

Book Reviews

"As a brain injury survivor, I am so moved by the authors' dedication to bring understanding and hope to those affected by traumatic brain injury. This simple story, with wonderful illustrations that make you feel a part of each scene, will help children understand how a brain injury can affect someone. Most importantly, it lets them know that they can be an important part of the healing process. I Know You Won't Forget reminds us that with love and support, there is hope."

Trisha Meili, author of the New York Times bestseller,
I Am The Central Park Jogger: A Story of Hope and Possibility

"Brain injury affects everyone in the family. I Know You Won't Forget is a story that gives children an understanding of what can happen to a parent after a brain injury. It offers ideas on how the child can play a helpful role as well. With vibrant artwork, and a simple but effective storyline, the story offers a useful way for children to understand a little better how to look at the world from the other person's point of view. This is an excellent resource to help children understand brain injury."

Greg Ayotte, Director of Consumer Services,
Brain Injury Association of America

"With great sensitivity and understanding, I Know You Won't Forget speaks to children about the real life impact of brain injury. The book's gentle touch is reassuring to children, while providing important information about what is happening and ways in which they can help their parent after brain injury. Kudos to Truly Blessed Ink for this truly wonderful book."

Judith Avner, Esq., Executive Director,
Brain Injury Association of New York State

Media Coverage

March 2008 - NBC Nightly News - segment of "Mind Matters"
A story about one of the authors' brain injury therapy.

March 2007 - Benita Zahn's Health Report - (WNYT/NBC - Albany, NY) - news story about author group (story no longer available online).

Press Releases

(PDF documents)

• March 2008 - NYS Gov. Spitzer proclaims "Brain Injury Awareness Month"
• 9/14/07 - Book release event
• 02/28/07 - pre-publication announcement

About the Authors

This book was written by survivors of traumatic brain injury participating in the New York State Department of Health/Medicaid Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver program. They receive support in their homes and communities throughout New York's Capital Region as they pursue their individual goals. In 2003, they established their first weekly group, "Brainstormers," through Crotched Mountain Community Partnership. In 2007, the authors chose to participate in a self-directed group program through Living Resources. Together they provide and receive peer support, plan and participate in social activities, and create projects designed to help others and raise awareness of TBI. Today, they have established ten different groups, and several more groups are being developed. More than 30 survivors have contributed to the creation of this book under the pseudonym, "Truly Blessed Ink."

About the Illustrator

Carol Jordan is a wife, mother and grandmother who owns and operates a small arts and crafts studio in Amsterdam, New York. She holds classes almost daily for individuals with disabilities, many of whom are supported by programs through Liberty Enterprises, an ARC agency. In 2003, Carol suffered a traumatic brain injury following brain surgery to remove an acoustic neuroma. She now suffers from total hearing loss in her left ear, mild facial paralysis, and difficulties with balance. As someone who has enjoyed drawing and painting her entire life, Carol believes that art is an effective way to bring out the feelings hidden deep inside us all. She hopes that through her illustrations of the story of Joey and his mom, the family members and friends of TBI survivors will better understand the ways they can help their loved ones."

Author Events

Please contact us to schedule an author appearance, signing, or lecture.

• Thursday, May 15, 2008 - 6:25 pm
  2008 GHI Workforce Team Challenge - 3.5 mile road race
  Empire State Plaza in front of New York State Museum, Madison Avenue, Albany, NY
  Authors will be participating in event. Books available for sale at the tent of Living Resources, the "Charity of Choice" for the event. Open to the public. Event web site.