By Sheri Roddy
ROOTIN’ FOR RED
My Son’s Detour To Healthy
Memoir
This is a story about a little boy’s courageous fight with kidney disease and how his family navigated its way through years of medical mayhem in search of a cure.
Steeped in her faith, compassionate, with a spark of humor, Sheri went from newlywed, to mother, to unexpected “Medical Mom” and now a first-time author. She finds joy in her family, friends and community service. Known as the Ringmaster of her family circus, Sheri is always up to hosting family holidays or a game night for a few laughs. You can often find her relaxing and recharging at her Cape Escape enjoying sunsets with her husband Joe and dog Edgar.
ROOTIN’ FOR RED
In January of 2014 Christopher received the ultimate birthday gift from his father, a kidney. The years leading up to the event were fiercely unpredictable and filled with detours and dead ends at every turn. With his first surgery at six weeks old, Christopher’s family believed this would be one and done. That was not the case. Sheri, a stay-at-home mom, was on a mission to heal her son despite the obstacles and challenges thrown her way. The narrative weaves together a time of despair, fear and uncertainty with moments of triumph, love and resilience. Readers will be captivated by the raw emotion of powerful storytelling that brings this family’s journey to life.
Excerpts
Chapter Nine
Plot Twist
“Your son is in complete renal failure and there is nothing we can do for him. We do not have the facilities here to help him. I’m sorry.” Instantly, everything went silent and I could feel the thumping of my heart against my chest as the room became smaller and out of focus. I just stared at him in horror. Painstaking fear was igniting my thoughts.
Chapter Fourteen
Steady Decline
Watching him walk down the hall with his nurse that day forced me to look at him from afar. Seeing him like this made me feel crippled inside. He was so frail, and as scared as I was to enter into this world of transplant, I knew by looking at him it was time. He needed help.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Finding Balance
We watched as parents took long deep breaths and doctors and nurses scoffed down their salads and sandwiches during their break from their hectic schedules. We took note of the other children being wheeled by their stressed-out caretakers doing their best to take in the amazing sights, sounds and smells that this oasis had to offer. The garden was perfectly manicured and there was a sense of peace and calm that we were all in great need of.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Smiling On The Outside
I didn’t even realize my disheveled mental state until the dust began to settle. No matter what I tried I couldn’t seem to unclench my jaw from the stresses of what occurred.
Reviews
A moving memoir about a family’s long, difficult journey with their son’s kidney disease. The incredible strength, love and hope in this book left a lasting impression on me. During the darkest days, the ups and downs, this family never gave up.
– Lisa M
Dear God, how did you survive that? Your book is a true testament to your love for your child, your family and friends. Sharing this story will certainly give others hope. I am loving it!
– Lorraine L
Sheri’s memoir is a heartfelt and inspirational tale of her family’s amazing and often exhausting ordeal they went through to help her son Christopher on his journey to becoming healthy.
– JJ
Interviews & Events
Book Signing
Thursday, July 11th 7-9pm
Glen Rock Inn
222 Rock Road
Glen Rock, NJ