"Rescue & Jessica" Authors at Quick Center, May 4

Fairfield, CT - Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship is a newly released picture book and instant New York Times bestseller based on the real-life relationship between double-amputee Jessica Kensky, injured in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, and her service dog Rescue.  The book was timed to coincide with the 5^th anniversary of the bombing, and the authors are appearing for Children’s Book Week at the Fairfield University’s Quick Center for the Arts on Friday, May 4^th from 10 AM – 1 PM.

The authors hope the book will educate children about the role of service dogs, and contribute to the movement for more diversity in children’s books. In their own words, they hoped it would “normalize physical disability and allow kids to identify with Jessica – despite the fact that she has two metal legs – that seeing that she is still human will broaden their understanding and compassion for other differently abled people they may encounter in their own community.” View video trailer here.

Kensky and Downes were recently depicted as major characters in the recent film Patriots Day, and HBO’s recent documentary Marathon: The Patriot’s Day Bombing. The couple have become leading disability advocates in their own right, including introducing legislation with Senator Elizabeth Warren granting special rights for rehabilitation to trauma victims. Link:http://bit.ly/2E5dxAd  

Additionally Rescue has just received an incredible honor– the ASPCA just named him as their DOG OF THE YEAR!