LOUDONVILLE — Peter Heath’s fingers were stained with dark blue ink.
The 10-year-old had just spent the better part of two hours stamping his signature onto copies of his most recently published book for friends, family and supporters.
“The Adventures of Marshmallow and Peter: Peter’s Wish Trip,” is the second installment in Heath’s series — written from the point of view of his white cane, “Marshmallow.” His first book, “The Adventures of Marshmallow and Peter,” published in May 2023.
Heath’s mother, Beth Heath, said her son has long talked about being an author — even before he received a life-changing diagnosis.
On May 12, 2022, Peter Heath was diagnosed with Batten disease CLN3. Batten disease is a group of genetic conditions that cause cells to collect waste instead of getting rid of it, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
One of several symptoms that stem from the disease is vision loss. Peter Heath lost his vision completely in spring 2022. According to the Cleveland Clinic, healthcare providers estimate that Batten disease affects about three of every 100,000 babies born in the United States.
There currently is no cure, but research remains ongoing.
“After we received his diagnosis, he kept wanting to do it (become an author),” Beth Heath said. “He came up with the idea of writing the first book from the point-of-view of his white cain.”
The young author said he likes being able to make something for others, as well as creating a physical object he can hold in his hand — proudly knowing it’s his creation.
A book signing took place on May 12, the anniversary the 10-year-old’s diagnosis, at Loudonville Nazarene Church, which Beth Heath pastors. Copies of each book were available for purchase.
The Heath family donated half of the proceeds to BDSRA Foundation for Batten disease research and the other half was put into a fund for their son’s future needs.
Ashland County Special Needs Ministry and Cardinal Therapy Group also had displays at the book signing with resources and information about their offerings.
Young attendees of the event could also play outside on Peter’s Train Park — a park designed with accessibility in mind. It was made possible by the Visual Bucket List Foundation, which grants wishes to children who have lost or are losing their sight.
Ever since Peter Heath’s diagnosis, his mother said the family has made an effort to make every May 12 a day to “choose joy,” the motto of Team Peter.
“Peter makes that easy,” his mother said. “He literally jumps for joy, often.”
‘Choose joy’
Peter Heath’s Wish Trip was the inspiration behind his second book. He said readers can expect to hear about lots of rides throughout the story.
The Heath Family traveled to Disney World in Florida for his Wish Trip in January 2023. His second book highlights some of his favorite memories from the adventure, uniquely described through Marshmallow’s perspective.
Braille copies of Peter Heath’s first book have been produced by Seedlings, a Michigan-based braille publishing company, his mother said.
“The first book helps people understand how the world works for people with visual impairments. We’ve understood from different people that schools are using it to help educate students with visual impairments,” she said. “We just love that it’s helping other kids see the world.”
When asked if there are any plans for a third book, the young author replied with a resounding “yes.”
His excitement for life continues to motivate his family and others around him. His mother said he continues to set goals, try new things and always jumps for joy.
Peter Heath continues to inspire others to “choose joy.”
“We’re just really thankful for his personality and for the grace that God placed us here (in Loudonville),” she said.
