“Hearts of Gold: Broken Bodies, Immeasurable Blessings” by Kathy Pounds Graham is now available for purchase

“Hearts of Gold: Broken Bodies, Immeasurable Blessings” by Kathy Pounds Graham is a profoundly moving and inspiring memoir that chronicles the extraordinary lives of her two sons, Shawn and Jason Odle, both born with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disease (PMD)—a rare and debilitating neurological disorder. Published by Citi of Books, this is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retail platforms.  

This book isn’t just a story about disability; it’s a testament to the boundless strength of the human spirit, the immeasurable power of a mother’s love, and the unwavering faith in God that carried a family through decades of challenges, victories, and advocacy.

Kathy Pounds Graham is a pioneer in the fight for Equality in the Field of Disabilities. She had a vision that her sons & others would have the same opportunities in life their able-bodied peers enjoyed.” Because of her vision, dedication, determination and faith in God, many opportunities for people with disabilities were created. Many of these opportunities she and her sons planted seeds for have come to fruition and allow people to live, work, recreate and participate in life next to their peers.

Although her sons are no longer with us Kathy continues the legacy she and her sons began in 1974. She continues to educate the public about the world of disabilities Through. The Eyes of she and her sons as they made history. “submitted by Vicki Killingsworth, Master’s degree in education, fellow advocate and coworker.

The story begins in the rural heartland of Mississippi, where Kathy’s simple yet faith-rooted life takes an unexpected turn with the births of her two sons. Initially, both Shawn and Jason appeared healthy, but developmental delays soon became apparent. What followed was a relentless pursuit of answers, which took years to culminate in a definitive diagnosis of PMD, a rare genetic disorder affecting the myelin sheath in the brain. Yet despite grim medical prognoses—doctors didn’t believe they would live into their teenage years—Shawn lived until 47 and Jason until 45, defying every expectation placed upon them.

The book walks readers through their childhood filled with adaptive learning, creative play, and relentless therapy; through the systemic challenges of an educational system ill-prepared for children like them; and through the family’s transformative journey into advocacy on both state and national stages. What emerges is a story that beautifully balances the hardship of physical limitations with the radiant joy of living a purpose-driven life filled with immeasurable blessings.

This book isn’t just for families touched by disability; it’s for anyone who seeks to better understand humanity, compassion, and the beauty of resilience. It is a story of triumph—not over disability, but over despair, ignorance, and the barriers that society often erects. Kathy’s narrative will inspire readers to view life, faith, and human potential through a lens of grace, strength, and profound gratitude.