A woman who lives in the Anten Mills area, just outside Barrie, has penned a new book that helps kids, as well as the friends and grown-ups around them, learn more about childhood migraine.
"Milly has a Migraine tells the smart and sweet story of a little girl who has to manage chronic migraines," says a release about the new book from author Joanne McPhail, who's also a corporate lawyer and managing partner at Barriston Law in Barrie.
McPhail says she added 'author' to her resume after seeing both of her children suffer through debilitating chronic migraine as children and young adults.
Childhood migraines afflict about three per cent of pre-school children and about 10 per cent of children ages five to 15, she says, "yet the disease is invisible and very misunderstood."
“Helping my kids navigate school, friendships and activities when faced with daily pain was incredibly difficult,” McPhail says.
And it was also tough to navigate and investigate medical options to help them, she admits. Although migraines afflict millions of people worldwide, it is still not well-understood by those who do not suffer from them. In addition to debilitating pain and other physical symptoms, migraine sufferers often feel that they are not believed, exaggerating symptoms or are disappointing others.
“Kids, especially, have difficulty processing these issues, and managing friendships and sports or other activities, teachers and school expectations, at very formative times,” McPhail says.
Milly has a Migraine is aimed at children ages four to eight. McPhail hopes her young heroine, Milly, will help teach kids what it’s like to get migraines, while also reassuring children who suffer from them that they are not alone.
The book is illustrated by Angelica Baldit, who specializes in children’s illustrations.
The book is available now in Canada on Amazon.
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