In reading this heartfelt narrative, I find myself deeply moved by the resilience and self-awareness of the individual recounting their journey. It takes a great deal of courage to confront one’s own struggles and seek help, especially when those struggles have been a constant companion for much of one’s life.
After 15 years of being active, Fanbase Press has launched its inaugural Kickstarter campaign for a new comic titled “Ripple Effects”. This exciting project can now be found on Kickstarter, and ComicBook is privileged to offer an exclusive preview of the book’s foreword written by Todd Stashwick from “Star Trek: Picard”, which is included in the Deluxe Edition of the comic. The storyline of “Ripple Effects” revolves around a superhero who, despite being invincible, battles daily with type 1 diabetes. This compelling comic is now available for backing on Kickstarter.
The creation, writing, and coloring of “Ripple Effects” were handled by Jordan Hart (known for Image Comics / Syzygy Publishing’s The Cabinet, Terminarch, Doppelg?nger), the illustrations were done by Bruno Chiroleu (recognized for El Borde, Mara and Samu), the flatting was taken care of by Shane Kadlecik, the lettering was done by Oceano Ransford (who has worked on The Sequels, Haphaven), and it includes a foreword written by Matthew Noe, a librarian at Harvard Medical School. The cover art for this work is provided by Justin C. Harder from CLAUS Studios.
The series “Ripple Effects” was designed to make individuals with hidden disabilities, as well as their family members, aware that they are not isolated, they are extraordinary, and they are valued, as expressed by its creator, Jordan Hart, in a statement on the campaign platform.
Here’s the foreword:
As a gamer, let me share my journey: On Sundays, I’d be so engrossed in my imaginary worlds that cartwheels were my Sunday school response. My report cards often read, “Todd, you’re quite the distraction for other students, always chattering.” In eighth grade, midterm results showed me failing four classes due to forgetting assignments and not focusing. I’d rather draw than listen most of the time, earning me the nickname ‘Peter Pan’. High school arrived, and I got a D in Drama for not submitting homework. Yes, Drama! The irony wasn’t lost on me. I pressed forward, setting my sights on becoming a professional actor. It took me three different colleges to finally earn that degree. Quite the pattern, don’t you think?
I chose a career that allowed the constant shifting of focus, very physical, varied tasks, and REALLY social. I had no problem memorizing. Hell, I could recite the lessons from Sunday school despite doing cartwheels, and, in hindsight, maybe because of them. Keep changing the channel on what was asked of me and I soared. Focus (There’s that word again.) on one topic or, god forbid, make me sit still? Forget about it. I would not have functioned well in an office, behind a desk, hours at a time. I got the necessary reading of scripts done, plays, what have you. I adored comic books, words and pictures pulling around the page. Video games? Hyperfocus!
I built my world around how my brain met with it. My dreams suited my profession, and I can proudly say I flourished. Now, during the last 20+ years, if you asked my wife if I lost things often? Walked away from lit oven burners? Forgot to lock doors? Close the fridge? Forgot what she said seconds after she said it? Unable to focus on reading (other than scripts) for more than five minutes at a time? And so on and so on… She would resoundingly concur. I mean, that’s how most people live, right? Right?!?
Fast forward to mid 2020, the world found itself under lockdown. This was a unique situation never experienced before. Along with countless businesses, the television and film industries came to a standstill. My usual work, which I excelled at and that fit my cognitive abilities, disappeared.
We made an appointment for him to see these far smarter professional people at UCLA. My far smarter wife than I also snuck in an appointment for me. Or should I say we got on a waiting list for analysis screenings for ADHD. A few months later, they called and set us up.
My brain doesn’t produce certain neurotransmitters like dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and serotonin at the same level as most people do. These chemicals are vital for healthy brains and focus. As a result, I have a tendency to seek distractions and engage in excessive activity to compensate. To address these issues, I now require professional help through therapy and medication. For the first time in my life, I am beginning to comprehend my brain’s workings and how to live without being controlled by it.
This journey we’re on is continuous for both me and my son. He’s charting his unique course, just like he did when he excelled, much as I did. Sometimes I wonder if I would prefer to be younger, having been diagnosed later, but I can’t say for sure. Maybe I would, maybe I wouldn’t.
During the past few years, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a condition that seems to run in my family genetics. It has become a part of my life now, and it’s something I’ve been dealing with. This condition has significantly affected my mental clarity, energy levels, and focus. However, I am actively managing it with medication and diet adjustments.
In this comic you’re holding, we delve into the reality that everyone might have their own personal struggles, hidden challenges others may not perceive. Life requires us to discover our purpose, navigate through it all, and sometimes deal with invisible ailments. It’s crucial to be gentle with ourselves, reach out for support when needed, show empathy, as one never truly knows another person’s burdens. And above all, be courageous, understanding that these challenges are aspects of our identity, not our entire definition.
After the peak of the pandemic subsides and life returns to a more familiar rhythm, I’ve come to understand that my version of “normal” has always been unique – I simply didn’t recognize it before. I discovered methods to calm my mind while still retaining my enthusiasm, motivation, and creative spirit.
Like Peter Pan, I’ve learned how to dance with my shadow.
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2024-09-16 21:40