Disability Memoir Fund

"Fascinating, compelling and important"
- Peter Mansbridge



Campaign Blurb 

I am a passionate writer, university student, aged 22 & advocate for social justice. I have Cerebral Palsy and am seeking financial assistance toward the publication of memoir on my experiences as a teenager with a physical disability, in hopes to inform and inspire others. To learn more about my condition, Spastic Diplegia Cerebral Palsy, click here - https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/9637/spastic-diplegia-cerebral-palsy


About Me 

As a young woman, I am a student, a passionate writer, and advocate for social justice. First and foremost, I am an individual living with Cerebral Palsy, which impairs my ability to move about with ease. I mainly function independently, however my mobility is in constant fluctuation, and I am faced with challenges regarding physical accessibility, stigma and social barriers on a daily basis. I've been in university for five years now and am pursuing a BA Honours degree in Sociology at Mount Allison University, in New Brunswick, Canada. I also volunteer my time as an editorial board member (and write peices about my experiences with disability) for the feminist forum for young women “The F Bomb” - a partner of the Women’s Media Center. Visit it at www.thefbomb.org.

About My Book

My memoir explores my trials of social issues such as bullying, social stigma mental illness and girlhood. I first had the idea of writing a motivational book when I was 16 years old, whilst learning to walk again following an intense Orthopaedic surgery. Living with Cerebral Palsy has confronted me with challenges, which have led me to gain a particular awareness of socio-economic, political and other such injustices. My life experiences have imbued me with a sense of responsibility toward others. It is also in the essence of my character to want to help youth who may be struggling, especially girls with disabilities, as they are at particular risk for severe social inequalities. Moreover, I feel that there is a need to incorporate more education surrounding disability into our everyday lives. 

My initial hope and current vision in writing this book is to give young people a sense of solidarity in confronting the challenges they face. Ultimately, I would like to have my book be available in schools, children’s hospitals and do readings for children in hospital. It was when I was most vulnerable, having gone through life-altering surgeries at 14,16 and 18 that I needed someone to relate to. I believe in this, I just need some help to be able to make this dream come true. 

Why I Need Your Help

I am in school full time solely on student loans as I work to complete my degree. My education is very important to me, and I've long since discovered that university is most gainful for me. I have found through trial and error that my working as full time as I can at a "regular" retail-type job amounts to 22 hours a week and has in the past left me impoverished and depressed. Writing is what I am passionate about, but what I am even more passionate about is the advocacy I hope to launch if this campaign is successful and I am able to access editing and co-publishing services (self publishing is my back-up plan).

 I have been told by many literary industrials that  my work as it is not long enough as is to publish in the mainstream, and even if it were, it would be unlikely as is to be chosen for publication because I do not have an established platform. I would love to work with a co-publisher She Writes Press. However, I am not in a position to pay for such services. The truth is, I am secondarily homeless and have been for many years. University is the only permanent address I ever have. Due to my disability I am unable to work a regular 9-5 full time job and have also faced workplace discrimination. 

Why This Matters

 At this time I am putting my pride aside and am reaching out to you to ask if you would consider contributing to my cause so I can truly begin to use my voice for good, and reach as many people as possible. I went through an immense amount of bullying in elementary, middle and high school, just for being different! Given the toxic climate of schools today, and the violence that often ensues, I feel we all have a duty to harness our talents to protect kids and provide them with positive role models. I've now had years of listening to the stories of kids who have self-harmed or lost their lives to the back drop (whether in my head or through my Beats of "Let This End - September's Children" by Rise Against. All the hurt and tragedy is so inextricably linked with the high school experience. It weighed on my heart until I did something. I see a desperate need for a change in the culture of schools. This fuelled my writing and my desire to be an advocate. 

Learn What You Would Be Supporting

 I would love for you to be a part of my project. To learn exactly what you would be contributing to, please view a list of my published excerpts by clicking here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13XerjJu7lgN8w8JGHP5BJNLws-6zZ8JodLYP_RkTcRA/pub

You can receive updates on Trial Error and Success by following me on Twitter @RachaelHana.

Closing

I truly and earnestly believe my memoir has the potential to touch people and remind them of their strength – a strength that eclipses both physical ability and social binaries alike. I am hoping that in goodwill, with an understanding of how my story could benefit others, you may be able to assist me in my journey. If you would like to contribute, please make a donation. Please, share my campaign widely on your social media – this act is JUST as helpful as a monetary donation!

Thank you so very much for taking the time to read this and for considering my helping me work towards my dream. If you have any questions about my goals of advocacy or literary endeavors, please feel free to contact me using this site. 

 Sincerely, 

 Rachael Hanakowski 

Acclamations of Trial, Error and Success

“As editor-in-chief of Rookie, I edit teenaged writers every day, and rarely do I come across a voice so singular or defined. Ms. Hanakowski uses every word purposefully, taking ownership of her unique story while it speaks to universal aspects of young adulthood.” 
– Tavi Gevinson, Editor-in-Chief, RookieMag.com 

“Rachael writes well, which is refreshing. It's clear from reading her story that she has faced some great challenges.”  – Jim Gifford, Non-Fiction Editorial Director, Harper Collins Canada

“If published, [Trial, Error and Success] would be a valuable contribution to many people facing similar circumstances but would also go a long way to helping people understand disability including breaking down barriers such as stigma and discrimination.” 
– Dr. Mario Levesque, Assoc. Prof., Political Science, Mt. Allison University

 “I am very impressed with Rachael’s hard work, tenacity, honesty and realness.” – Kaleigh Trace, Author, Hot, Wet and Shaking 

“Though Rachael is still very young, she is an accomplished writer. Every element of the novel or short story that she will go on to write, has its genesis in this establishment of the milieu --illness, mother, home, life outlook, struggle and courage.”  – Kathleen Tudor, Author, Roseway Publishing (Founder)