Seattle Press on Line - Preemies the Focus of Rep. Dickerson's New Book

Preemies the Focus of Rep. Dickerson's New Book

Jan 11, 2001 -- Outside of Olympia, 36th District State Representative Mary Lou Dickerson is best known for her work opposing violence in children's media and video games. So it's remarkable to learn that Dickerson is also an author, and active in the American Foundation for the Blind. The AFB Press has just published Dickerson's first full-length book, Small Victories, which concerns the struggles and successes of those born extremely prematurely.

"Preemies" may have special needs throughout their lives, and are more susceptible to disabilities such as blindness. Dickerson, who is a preemie herself and visually impaired, focused her book on "tales of courage, tenacity and inspiration." She says, "Many [preemies] had to overcome great odds, but are living lives that they define as fulfilling."

She hopes Small Victories will be useful and inspiring to parents of preemies as well as pediatric health care professionals. Many adult preemies have found the book of special interest, as it explores the special challenges preemies may encounter throughout life.

Small Victories: Conversations about Prematurity, Disability, Vision Loss, and Success by Mary Lou Dickerson, 304 pp., $24.95. Available at Elliott Bay Bookstore and online booksellers, or email afborder@abdintl.com to order.

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