Zippy’s Friend—Maria

Maria is a survivor of Amniotic Band Syndrome!

Candida: Did you like Zippy and his story?

Maria: Yes I loved Zippy and his story!

Candida: What was your favorite part?

Maria: My favorite part is when Zippy got teased by the zebras but then he saved them by acting like a zombie and asking the biggest crocodile nicely.

Candida: Did it help you in some way?

Maria: A little because of the part where Zippy got teased by the zebras, but then he helped them cross the stream.

Candida: What is the biggest challenge you have overcome?

Maria: The biggest challenge I have overcome is to ignore teasing and staring or asking them to stop.

Candida: What is the biggest challenge you still face?

Maria: The biggest thing I still have to face is surgeries I still go through.

Candida: What advice would you give kids with differences or those afraid of having surgery?

Maria: Advice I would give to kids who have surgeries is the doctors are there to help you not to hurt you.

Candida: Is there anything you’d like to ask me?

Maria: How did you come up with this story about Zippy?

Candida: My hands, arm and foot are affected by Amniotic Band Syndrome. I know how hard it is to be teased and stared at by others. I desired to write a book to help kids who go through the same things learn to overcome it. I also wanted to show the bullies and people who stare that it hurts when they do those things. I tried to let them see being different is wonderful!
 I feel so blessed to have talked with Maria! Her answers touched my heart and helped me in numerous ways. It’s an amazing feeling to see a child holding a book you’ve written and know that it helped them a little. Please pray for Maria as she continues to have surgeries and heal from the effects of Amniotic Band Syndrome. May God bless you!

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