Harris and Me
Living with Fragile X Syndrome
by Cari Forteath

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In 1980, Cari Forteath and her husband George welcomed their first child, Harris, into the world. They instantly fell in love with their son, whose first few months were peaceful. Soon, though, Cari and George recognized that Harris wasn’t hitting the developmental markers for his age. It was five years before Harris was diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic disorder that was little-known at the time. Armed with newfound knowledge, Cari and George helped Harris grow and thrive. Today, Harris is an inspiration to his community, from his place on the local hockey team to his job at Canadian Tire. He is proof that someone with disabilities can contribute and make a difference to others and the world around him. Harris and Me is both a family memoir and a support guide to help others whose children are living with disabilities. The book chronicles the family’s four decades “living with Fragile X,” with hilarious and heart-warming anecdotes from Harris’ first steps to his more independent adulthood. The book helps parents gain a better understanding of the challenges and joys ahead and reminds us never to give up on our children — or on ourselves.

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Cari Forteath has a Bachelor of Psychology and a Master of Environmental Studies. In 1980, her son Harris was born, and it soon became clear that he wasn’t hitting development markers for his age. At times, Cari blamed herself for not being able to soothe Harris, despite her many efforts. It would be five long years before he was diagnosed with Fragile X, a rare genetic disorder. Cari wrote her first book to share her family’s heartwarming and at times difficult story. In her free time, Cari loves knitting, sewing, reading, playing golf, and enjoying her grandchildren as they grow. She lives in Burnstown, Ontario, with Harris and her husband, George Wade.

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Contributors

Author

Cari Forteath

Foreword by

Rose-Marie Batley

Epilogue by

Lucie Wade