OVERCOMING six brain surgeries within a little over a year would be a daunting experience for anyone. However, for Wentworth’s nine-year-old Imari Kenya James, it ignited a fire within her. She channelled her pain into a meaningful purpose by creating an informative and inspiring colouring book that chronicles her experiences with hydrocephalus.

Also read: One of two things – ‘I will be a chef’

Iman James, Imari’s mother, recalls that Imari had her first shunt surgery when she was only two months old. Over the next year, Imari underwent five more surgeries, long before she could fully grasp the weight of her condition.

“Hydrocephalus is the build-up of excessive fluid in ventricles deep within the brain,” said Iman.

Synopsis of the book

Driven by a desire to help other children understand this condition and to reassure them that they aren’t alone, Imari recently released her book, One Thing About Two Things. This brightly illustrated book, designed for children, shares her personal story with hydrocephalus and offers support to both children and parents who are going through similar medical experiences.

“The book is a colourful and child-friendly version about her condition called hydrocephalus. It shares a few encouraging messages about having strength through anything that seems or feels impossible. Her witty personality also makes up a large part of the book,” said Iman.

Her dream job is still cooking

Despite the numerous difficulties she has encountered, Imari refuses to let her health problems limit her potential. This inspirational nine-year-old still dreams of becoming a chef, a passion that she pursues with enthusiasm.

“Imari has had a couple of opportunities to experience what the culinary industry is about and all it has done is make her fall in love with it even more. The book almost supplements her motivating spirit to help others believe they can achieve their dreams like she does,” said Iman.

Imari’s motto has always been ‘One thing about two things, there is a chance for everyone in this life’. Imari shared that she hopes that her book will explain hydrocephalus to people and encourage children and parents to keep the faith, no matter what.

To get a copy

To get your hands on a copy of One Thing About Two Things, visit https://a.co/d/0jl8vJWo or contact Iman James on imarikenya16@gmail.com.

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