Published:
We are proud to share the new release, Filipou and the GIANT Apple, written by an incredible advocate, mother, and newly published author, Édith Lacroix.
Édith is an invaluable member of The Isaac Foundation’s Board of Directors. Her positivity, generosity, and unwavering determination in improving the lives of individuals living with MPS - including her son, Félix-Antoine - is evident in all that she does. Filipou and the GIANT Apple is no different; this fable about courage and taking challenges one step (or bite) at a time is also a love letter to both her son and the rare disease community as a whole.
Filipou the explorer dreams of discovering an intriguing volcano. However, a “giant apple” will stand in his way, preventing him from pursuing his expedition. With his parents’ help, he will nibble on the giant apple to reach his dream. What will he find on the other side of the apple? What if this giant apple was, in fact, a disease?
In this fable, Filipou learns to nibble on the giant apple, one bite at a time, just like when facing a degenerative disease. One undergoes treatments and multiple tests. One sometimes receives positive results, sometimes discouraging ones. One experiences anguish, joy, sadness, and suffering - one bite at a time. Nevertheless, most importantly, living on hope and love.
“Six years ago, I heard the most terrible thing in my life: my son Félix-Antoine, then only two years old, has a rare and progressive disease called Hunter syndrome. Combining the love of writing and the love for my son, I wrote a story, Filipou and the GIANT Apple. In this fable about courage, Filipou learns to nibble on the giant apple, one bite at a time, just like when facing a degenerative disease. From the beginning, I was dreaming of self-publishing this story. I wish to sell this children’s book to raise awareness of rare diseases and also, to raise funds for the search for a cure to Hunter syndrome. This dream is about to come true. Thanks for dreaming with me!” - Édith Lacroix, Author