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Super Shea and Marvelous Mercer

Posted: Thursday, September 27, 2007 11:26 AM by Dan Fleschner
Filed Under:

This morning, Meredith interviewed a very inspirational young woman, 12-year-old Shea Megale. She suffers from a disease called spinal muscular atrophy 2, which causes her muscles to weaken over time.

But she hasn't let the disease slow her down, and she has written a children's book called Marvelous Mercer about her adventures with her companion dog, Mercer. WATCH VIDEO

The story behind the publication of the book is remarkable. One day, Shea's mother, Megan, accidentally discovered a series of stories Shea had written in a diary. Megan recognized Shea's storytelling talent and decided to self-publish the book as a way to bring attention and raise money to fight SMA.

Megan and Shea took the book to the toy fair and pitched the story to an FAO Schwarz representative, and the toymaker embraced the idea. Now, FAO Schwarz is offering an exclusive first edition of the book as well as a plush toy of Mercer.

Profits from the book will go towards research to find a cure for SMA and will support Canine Companions, the non-profit organization that provided Mercer.

In addition to appearing on TODAY, Shea will also be reading from her book and signing copies at FAO Schwarz here in New York on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m.

Shea told me that the trip has already been a success because she got to meet Ed Helms from "The Office," which is one of her favorite shows.

For more information on Shea and her book, please visit the Marvelous Mercer site, and you can also visit Canine Companions for more on assistance dogs.

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What an amazing, inspirational story. Way to go Shea and Mercer!

Angie, MI (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 1:47 PM)

This is a beautiful story and child and animal, dogs can bring so much comfort to ill childern.  I will be buying the series even though my childern are grown, it is still a series I want to read and they need to read to realize how lucky they were to be health during their childhood minus the normal cuts, sprains, and broken bones.  I hope they sell a million plus of these books

Dina Newton, Hardinsburg, IN (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 2:08 PM)

BRAVO!!PRETTY LADIES & MERCER!!  HAPPINESS TO YOU ALL.  GOOD DOES TRIUMPH.  YOU'RE A SMART COOKIE!  MANY MORE OF GOD'S BLESSINGS TO YOU & YOURS

ANNA MARIA ROCKHOLD (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 2:18 PM)

We have the extreme privilege to live in the same community as this amazing family.  Shea's fiesty spirit (she was our school's President last year) and desire to help others more than herself has been an inspiration to our children (and to us!)  Mercer and Shea are an amazing team with a great message to share.  I hope millions of people will buy their book for someone they love, and we might someday fund enough research to find a cure for SMA.

The Lavin Family, Centreville, Virginia (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 2:42 PM)

Hi Shea and Mercer:
Way to go, you are super wonderful and warmed my heart with your story. My husband has a dog a lot like yours and she helps him every day all day at work. Keep up with your wonderful attitude. We are all on your side. Best wishes on your New York trip.

Lynn Grisham, Albuquerque, New Mexico (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 4:08 PM)

Wonderful story of the ascendance of inspired love and courage.  Dogs have always been a mainstay in my life, so I already have an appreciation of their magical, mystical qualities:Sheba Shepherd, Queenie Airdale, and Nika Golden Retriever changed the lives of many. Dogs like Mercer and girls like Shea change the world just by the way they live.  Go team!

Judith Mercer (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 5:20 PM)

Reading stories like this warms my heart.   What a great team.   I'll certainly buy her books as gifts for others

Ken Herrera, Denver, Colorado (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 5:26 PM)

hi shea and mercer i'm glad i caught the show this morning. it has really inspired me to find out more about this condition, cause i have a friend with a two year old daughter with the same condition. we found out last year and don't know much about it. the book is a great idea. and i will be buying it and giving it to hailey. thanks a lot

brandy mosley union city tennessee (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 8:20 PM)

Hi Shea & Mercer you two are very special. My grand daughter was born with SMA Type 1 and she went to be with Jesus on 9/4/04 at 6 months old. We too want to find a cure for SMA. Our family walks every year for MDA & the money goes to SMA research. I will be purchasing your books & a Mercer. You are a wonderful little girl. My grandsons will be proud to have your book and a Mercer to celebrate their sister's life.

Ricci Freeman Ft Wayne, In 46825 (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 8:58 PM)

Hi Shea & Mercer,
Seeing you and Mercer on the Today Show brought tears to my eyes. You are a wonderful girl. Never lose your spirit or imagination. We can all learn from you.

Joan Alipo Jupiter Florida (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 9:30 PM)

Dear Shea, I was so blessed to see you and Mercer on the Today show! My grandson's 3rd birthday is coming up and he loves books, so I am going to order the one you wrote! It sounds like a great adventure story from a great dog and written by an awesome and very talented girl! I am so inspired by your determination and your creativity. I look forward to reading your book!

Debbie Dennie, Maple Grove, MN (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 10:06 PM)

Hello Shea what a great inspirationn u are keep up the great work. I couldnt stop reading about you and your stories i look forward to buying your books. I have grandchildren that will love to read your books.

Debby , Parkville MO (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 10:34 PM)

Thank you for sharing your writings with the world and raising funds for SMA.  Our son is Type II, like you.  You're an inspiration to us all!

The Norton Family, Massachusetts (Sent Thursday, September 27, 2007 10:52 PM)

Shea,I was so touched by your wonderful story.Our grandson was diagnosed with SMA type 2 last winter.
Two of our great neices & a nephew raised over $35,000.for SMA in honor of their Bar& Bat Mitzvahs.
Our family and friends are planning a large benefit
to raise funds for a cure next summer.

Bobby Rosner, Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 12:28 AM)

To the Today Show staff, thank you for letting Bruce sing instead of cutting to the news. The fans appreciate your flexibility - and special thanks to Natalie who said, nope, Bruce is picking up the guitar, he's singing now. In 2 yrs of working from home, I have never allowed myself to deviate from starting work at 8am and sticking to it all day, but Bruce Springsteen singing, well thats just sacred. Thank you!!!!  

LP, ATL, GA (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 9:15 AM)

Good Job Shea and Mercer!!!!

Ms.McClintock and Mrs. Hicks Centreville, VA (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 9:29 AM)

Shea, YOU ROCK GIRL!  Megan, our daughters will continue to teach us of their minds' brillance.  My 4 year old daughter, Erin, also has SMA II/III.  I knew once you discovered Shea's journal that there was going to be something incredible inside.  God bless you all.  Our girls are certainly making their mark on this ridiculous disease.  Love, Heather and Erin Kelly

Heather Kelly (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 9:35 AM)

There is nothing like the love of a dog to bring out our creative abilities.

Joanne Deutch (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 1:22 PM)

How Wonderful and Inspriational!

Wish I could be at that booksigning tomorrow, but I am in San Antonio, TX. However, I will help to spread the word.

I am a children's tutor; I will find a way to bring these stories to all of my "kids!"

I know that Shea and Mercer will be be overwhelmed with messages and responses... but Shea, if you get this, know that you have accomplished more in  your 12 years than most of us accomplish in a lifetime.. thank you for sharing your secret adventures... I know they will be a "marvelous" read!



Fran Magri -Delgado, San Antonio, TX (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 2:04 PM)

Shea, I am so proud of you, Mercer and your family. You truly are an inspiration to many people of all ages. It has been my pleasure to work with you and call you my friend. Love you baby!
Hope everyone visits your website
http://www.dbdynamics.com/mercer/

Caren Williams, Oak Hill, Virginia (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 3:13 PM)

Shea, you are such a beautiful inspiration to me and my family!!!  We just found out last week our little Lauryn has SMA Type I and your story couldn't have come at a better time!  So thank you!  Love, Kirt, Jescica, Natalie, and Lauryn Freundl

Jescica Freundl, Johnston, IA (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 7:25 PM)

Hi Shea & Mercer, It's Jim & Michele. Your interview on "Today" was great! We just found out that Mercer has been honored by being named "DOG OF THE DAY" on DOGSTER.COM for tomorrow. What fun! Everyone can visit his page & see more pictures.

Jim & Michele Purton, Fredericksburg, VA (Sent Friday, September 28, 2007 10:55 PM)

where will we be able to buy the book? i went to barnes and noble and they have not heard of it. i so want to share the story with my grandchildren. they are very sensitive to others who don't have the advantage of good health like they do. i know they will love shea and mercers' stories.

brenda rogers, newburgh, in (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 4:14 PM)

I saw your show about Shae and it brought tears to my eyes.  I lost a Grandaughter to SMA.  She was 3 1/2 years old. She was the most amazing child I have ever seen. She learned to count to 10 in spanish, loved to attend school when she could.  Her favorite animals were cats.  Her last Halloween she wanted to be a cat and we managed to get her at least a mask with the cat face and whiskers.  She was thrilled.  I believe children are the most resiliant of us all and move through this world with grace and love for all.  I too am proud of Shea.

Sylvia Costa, Boston Mass (Sent Saturday, September 29, 2007 6:46 PM)

THIS IS WHY I WATCH THE TODAY SHOW.  You understand what viewers want to see, Can she have a segment on your show every week!  Awesome Awesome.  What a team and how insightful of you to have discovered them!  This is headed right to a best seller I FEEL IT!

Susan, Denver CO (Sent Sunday, September 30, 2007 9:15 PM)

Beautiful story!!!!!  What a wonderful girl and family!!!

Peggy McDonagh Grosso and Meghan and Jennie, too!!!!

Peggy McDonagh Grosso (Sent Monday, October 01, 2007 9:44 AM)

This story is very beautiful.  I understand all about this disease and was very glad that this was aired to let poeple know about it....this is a very devesating disease that is known as the number one genetic killer in children.  I had a son that was diagnosed in 1988 with SMA Type 1 who lived to be 16 1/2 months old.  There is a little boy here in my same area that has SMA Type 2 and is getting ready to graduate from high school this year.  I am not sure if very many people realize that the Muscular Dystrophy Association that helps people with children with this disease and then there is also another organization  that is just for this disease called Families of Spinal Muscular Atrophy and the website for this is fsma.org.

Kristi Palmer Coeburn Virginia (Sent Monday, October 01, 2007 9:20 PM)

Hi Shea,
I'm a 67 year old grandfather with one granddaughter, Jordan, also your age. I received your book and read it with great enjoyment. I'm sure Jordan will enjoy it as well.
I have also written my first book titled "Cricket", hopefully, it will be published before Christmas. It's about a 9 year old girl who is shunned by the coaches when she trys out for Little League.
I'd like to get your autograph on your book if this is possible.
I look forward to your next book, and will collect them all.
Your an inspiration to us all!

Robert "Bob" Brannon, Hagerstown, Md. (Sent Friday, October 05, 2007 8:36 AM)

This is such a great story.  I have the pleasure of working with Megan in the operating room, and know first hand, she is unstoppable. It is no surprise to me she crusdaed something so spectacular.  BRAVO to be so dynamic that you can shine saving lives in the OR and continue that legacy for SHEA.  You are unlike anyone I have ever met

Dr Keith Medith (Sent Monday, October 15, 2007 12:30 PM)

Hi Shea and Mercer. It was great fun to read about you and your book. I'm raising a puppy for Canine Companions for Independence, and with luck he'll grow up to be in a partnership like yours.  His name is Vertex and he loves working hard on his lessons every day so he can graduate from CCI training when he grows up. We send our love to you both.

Jo Beckwith, Temple City, CA (Sent Friday, December 14, 2007 2:40 PM)



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