Showing results by author "Sara Pyszka" in All Categories

Brynn Evason is, in many ways, just like an ordinary 17-year-old girl - she cares too much about what other people think of her, she's embroiled in major friendship drama, and she can't wait to head off to summer camp. But in Sara Pyszka's heartwarming coming-of-age drama, Dancing Daisies, listeners learn that Brynn is different in one very important way. Brynn has cerebral palsy, which means she must use a power wheelchair and computer to communicate.

Inside My Outside: An Independent Mind in a Dependent Body provides an in-depth look into the life of a young woman with cerebral palsy who cannot walk or talk but who uses an electronic device for communication. This memoir covers three full days, from morning to night, in Sara Pyszka’s life, providing glimpses of past relationships, friendships, schooling, and outrageous stories about the challenges of hiring, firing, and working with personal care assistants.

Brynn Evason is back at Camp Lakewood! This time, however, she’s not playing the role of camper - instead, she’ll be helping organize and run a week of the camp for people with and without disabilities. She’s excited to lead a few groups, to mentor the younger campers, to write some poems, and to spend some quality time with her best friend, Randi, who will be by her side for the week. Brynn’s friends from home have also volunteered at the camp this year, and Brynn’s hopeful everyone will have a good time. There’s one wild card, though: Tommy, her boyfriend.

Brynn Evason never believed she would be faced with this dilemma. Her sensitive musician boyfriend, Tommy, wants her to come on tour with him and collaborate on more music! Brynn's family doesn't approve. They want her to go to college, and they've found a university with specific programs for people with disabilities. Brynn doesn't want to disappoint her parents, but she doesn't want to lose this magical opportunity. She's torn between a stable future and a romantic adventure.

Brynn Evason had always been on the fence about going to college, but RCU’s Arts for All program won her over with its accessible dorms, personal care assistants (PCAs), and independent studies in which she’ll learn more about the things she loves to do, including songwriting. She’s looking forward to a fresh start, especially since her relationship with Tommy came to a screeching halt during the summer. Her best friend, Randi, encourages her to keep her eyes open for cute guys on campus, but Brynn doesn’t think she’s ready to date again.