Page 24 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2022

PEOPLE
his book began as a personal writing goal, but once we combined the words and pictures and illustrations, I realized my project had become much more than just a book,” says Joy Gough, the author of Bailee, One
“Down” Right Special Girl. The children’s book, published in 2021, chronicles the true story of Bailee Mae, a now fourteen-year-old girl with Down syndrome who cheerleads, dances, swims, plays basketball, and inspires everyone she meets. “I always wanted to write a book,” says Joy, “but I got married, had kids, and I’m a
professional occupational therapist. There wasn’t much time. One day, I realized, oh my gosh, I can write about Bailee! Her story was already written, I just had to put it on paper.”
Joy met Bailee’s mother, Rise, at a cheerleading camp when they were both in junior high, and they formed a friendship that lasted through high school, college, weddings, and children. “Rise didn’t know Bailee had Down syndrome until after she was born, and she asked me to be her therapist. I saw Bailee almost weekly until she was four or five, and then I cut her back to once a month. She was doing really well – she has always done really well.”
When Joy decided to write about Bailee, she immediately contacted Bailee’s parents, who were thrilled by the idea. “The words came pretty quickly because I knew the events I wanted to write about. I knew I wanted to include real photographs but didn’t know if the photos were high enough quality.” Joy then connected with Ocean Springs natives and Savannah College of Art and Design graduates Emerson Chen and Claire Cronin, who illustrated
and designed the page layouts, respectively. “Emerson suggested using real pictures as well as the illustrated Bailee character. I believe by using both illustrations and real photos, the book appeals to both children and adults.”
The book remained a surprise for Bailee until its final publication. “We didn’t tell Bailee about the book until it was finished and printed; we met her for dinner and had the book wrapped like a gift. I presented it to her, and she became very emotional. She’s quick to tell you that her favorite picture is the one of her playing basketball!” Bailee stays active at book signings and festivals, where she gives two or three hugs to each and every customer.
Since publication, Joy and Bailee’s book has been bought by multiple South Mississippi school districts, including the Ocean Springs School District, which bought 150 copies and put one in every single kindergarten-third grade classroom. “Every child in that district doing AR readings can meet Bailee, and they can see that even though
she has Down syndrome, she can do anything they can do. It’s a tool that helps promote inclusion.”
Joy and Rise are certain of one thing – that their connection all those years ago had a clear purpose. “When I published the book, Rise said ‘You and
I were meant to meet all those years ago because of this.’” Together, Joy, Bailee, and Bailee’s family are spreading the message of inclusion and
hope with their special book. As the last line says, “the possibilities are endless, who knows what the next chapters will bring!”
Bailee, One “Down” Right Special Girl can be found in Ocean Springs at Sugar & Spice, Miner’s Toys, and Unique Boutique. Copies are also available at Posies and Petals
in Pascagoula and on the Spreading Joy Publishing Company Facebook Page. A portion of all profits
goes towards Bailee’s future.
24 | April 2022
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