Sarah Gannon, an occupational therapist from County Kilkenny, Ireland, has written and illustrated a children’s book titled Just See Me: Seeing Beyond Difference inspired by her seven-year-old daughter, Ciara, who has the rare genetic condition CHARGE syndrome and is deafblind. Ciara also has multiple other medical challenges, including a cleft lip and palate, cardiac issues, autism, and an intellectual disability. Despite these, Ciara is described as a typical child who enjoys playing and interacting with others.

Gannon, with over 17 years of experience working with children with disabilities, created the book to educate people and encourage them to look beyond physical and medical differences to see the strengths and potential of children like Ciara. The book features bright illustrations designed to engage children with visual and hearing impairments. All proceeds from the book will be donated to the Anne Sullivan Foundation, Ireland’s national charity supporting people who are deafblind.

Gannon also highlights the compassion and resilience of Ciara’s four-year-old brother, David, who is her biggest advocate. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with other parents of children with disabilities to combat isolation and the need to educate professionals about rare conditions. The family feels optimistic about Ciara’s future, noting significant progress in her communication and happiness, especially thanks to her school.

Just See Me is published by Austin Macauley and is available in paperback, hardback, and ebook formats.