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Hudson teen's story published through help from foundation
By Kim Hone-McMahan
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Sunday, Jul 20, 2008
Stephen Beirne grinned as he sat inside Hudson's Learned Owl Book Shop. Behind him was a glorious book display with his name prominently displayed on each cover. Quite an accomplishment for a 17-year-old.
In May 2005, Stephen was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare tumor that occurs in the spine and the base of the skull. The folks at the Make-a-Wish Foundation told Stephen they would grant him a wish.
For many youngsters with life-threatening medical conditions, Disney World or an ocean cruise are answers to their dreams. But Stephen had already enjoyed both of those adventures, so he asked for time to think about what he wanted.
His siblings nudged him to go to Hawaii, request a backstage visit with the group Rascal Flatts, or ask for a small recording studio for their home (he plays piano; his brother, guitar). While the ideas were appealing to his two sisters and brother, they weren't his wishes.
While he was in the hospital for chemotherapy, he began to write a story. Writing is something he fell in love with when his sixth-grade teacher, Katherine Chapman of Michigan, where the family lived before moving to Hudson four years ago, inspired him to put his thoughts down on paper.
The yarn he spun during his cancer treatments begins with an old man who tells a tale of a great treasure. Most of the dozen men gathered around him at the inn think the story is a mere fireside tale. But one young man believes the old guy is speaking the truth and risks his life, and those of his two best pals, on a quest to find riches.
After much thought, Stephen knew exactly what his wish should be.
''I wanted . . . to have my book published,'' he recalled, glancing at the books on display.
Kelly Kleinschmidt, executive director of the Northeast Ohio Regional Office of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, explained that while each wish is as unique as the child who is making it, Stephen's was particularly distinctive.
''It was definitely different to . . . work with a New York publisher'' to get a book in print, she said.
With the help of Liz Murphy, owner of the Learned Owl; Denise Dolence, creative director for HarperCollins Publishers; and its employees, Stephen's wish was granted.
Some 3,000 books were printed, thanks to the staff at Command Web and Phoenix Color.
November Reign is for sale exclusively at the Learned Owl for $9.95. Each student at the Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, where Stephen is a senior, will get a copy of his book, as will some of the staff and patients at the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, where Stephen has been treated. And, typical of the boy's loving spirit, proceeds from the sale of his book will benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
It's been a tough few years for Stephen and his family. He continues to take a chemotherapy pill for the cancer and often walks with a cane. But despite his illness, he sports a contagious grin.
In his quest to become a full-time writer, he plans to major in English in college. Someday, perhaps he will serve as a missionary. Stephen gives all the credit for his positive attitude to a higher power.
When he was about 12, he told his mother and father, Olga and Steve, that he had a couple of favorite Bible verses. At the time, it seemed oddly profound for a child to select Psalm 62:1-2. But now they are so fitting.
My soul finds rest in God alone;
My salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
As he sat in the Learned Owl, Stephen explained.
''I really have relied on . . . Jesus to bring me through the treatments and give me hope,'' he said. ''And only Jesus Christ could have placed so many people in my life — and given me the opportunity to have this book published.''
Kim Hone-McMahan can be reached at 330-996-3742 or kmcmahan@thebeaconjournal.com.
Stephen Beirne grinned as he sat inside Hudson's Learned Owl Book Shop. Behind him was a glorious book display with his name prominently displayed on each cover. Quite an accomplishment for a 17-year-old.
Get the full article here.
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