Over 8 million families in the United States alone have one or both parents disabled. The stress of illness can be difficult for anyone to bear but for the children of disabled parents it can be overwhelming. A child’s tendency is perhaps to act out in defiance and to be angry with the parent because they lack understanding. A new book has been released in an effort to open the lines of communication for these parents and their children.

As a Registered Nurse, mother and Systemic Lupus sufferer, Meg Walsh, author of Mama, Won’t You Play With Me? Knows both personally and professionally of the effects that long term illness can have on a family. In her own family, both her sister and brother-in-law are battling cancer, each with young children. Out of the 5 children born to Walsh and her 2 sisters, all 5 have a disabled parent. These numbers speak for themselves.

Walsh’s book is the story of Dudley Duckling whose mother has a broken wing and cannot play with him. It is a heartwarming story of love and family for any child and may bring comfort to the child of a disabled or ill parent.

For each book sold, Walsh will donate a portion of the proceeds to a local charity organization. Every few months a different charity will be chosen to receive these donations. She welcomes readers to contact her through her website,