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Nicole Jalonen

Written by Dawn Gagnon

Nicole Jalonen is 19 years old, and is an accomplished writer of 2 children's horror/mystery novels. She started writing at an early age because of her limited ability for physical activities. Nicole was born with a condition called Hydrocephalus, or "water on the brain", People with this condition has an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles, or cavities, of the brain. This may cause increased intra-cranial pressure inside the skull and progressive enlargement of the head, convulsion, and mental disability. To prevent this, doctors place tubes, called shunts to drain these fluids. This was caught before Nicole was born, therefore preventing mental disability and even death.

Because hydrocephalus injures the brain, thought and behaviour may be adversely affected. Learning disabilities are common among those with hydrocephalus, who tend to score better on verbal IQ than on performance IQ, which is thought to reflect the distribution of nerve damage to the brain. However, the severity of hydrocephalus differs considerably between individuals and some are of average or above average intelligence. Someone with hydrocephalus may have motivation and visual problems, problems with coordination, and may be clumsy. Nicole became partially paralyzed on her left side, requiring a brace on her left hand as she had little control over her fingers and thumb, her thumb would be tucked inside her fingers, therefore preventing the ability to hold onto objects with her left hand. She also developed more slowly than children born without hydrocephalus; she would sit up, crawl, and walk at a slower rate. Once she was able to walk, Nicole needed to have braces fitted on her legs and feet to help her walk, preventing her to run and play sports. Nicole also experienced vision problems, needing glasses at an early age, her eyes had a hard time focusing, especially with words, it was very difficult for her to read and then record what she had just read, her memory was very short and had to read over something several times before it was recorded on paper. As you can well understand, this would make writing anything, let alone two novels very difficult for her, but regardless, Nicole prevailed because she is persistent.

With everything happening to her, Nicole always remained a very happy child, she is intelligent and is very easy to talk to, she is a very loving person and my daughter, Jaime, who is a year and a half younger than Nicole is her biggest fan. Jaime idolized Nicole, and wanted to be just like her as a child, they were like twins, wore matching outfits as children. Jaime just loved her and still does, and so does anyone who has the privilege to know her. Nicole is a remarkable person, despite this painful condition she was born with. She is an inspiration to anyone because she doesn't know the meaning to the word quit. Despite her disability, Nicole graduated high school on time with her classmates, written and illustrated two novels and has written several short stories. I think it's time this remarkable person was acknowledged for her determination and creativity.

Today, Nicole still struggles with hydrocephalus, this is something that never goes away, and in the past year, her condition has gotten worse. After several CT scans, it is evident that the shunts have moved. This creates pressure on the brain, causing her headaches 24/7. But even after this, doctor's state nothing can be done. I'm sure with all the technology out there that something can be done. How can we just let this amazing person who once was happy all the time, who helped so many people, who was a friend to anyone, who is intelligent, creative, an inspiration to not just the young but to the old, just wither away in pain? Become depressed because there never seems to be any hope for her? I like to think that something can be done for her, I would like to think that Nicole will find relief from her constant pain and continue to write and share with us her stories and inspiration and continue to entertain us with her imagination. I will continue to pray for Nicole and hope she finds the help needed so she is no longer in constant pain. I know there are several novels waiting to be put on paper, and I know because of the person she is, she will not give up, you are my inspiration Nicole, get better soon!

People sometimes make excuses for why they can’t do things. Whatever the situation, let Nicole be a reminder that you can. We are not focusing on the condition Nicole has, just the fact that no matter what Nicole struggles with, she never gives up on wanting to share her thoughts and writing styles with the world. Great big thanks to you Nicole Jalonen for being a part of MoFoBo.NeT. You are an inspiration! Good Luck on your next book Nicole!

Nicole's novels

Nicole has written two books for pre-teens, and are published and for sale. Her first book is titled Dreams and Danger and was written by Nicole at the age of 16, she wrote and illustrated the book on her own without any outside help. Her second book continues the exciting saga of Britney in Devolin's Return. Dreams and Danger tell a story about a heroin named Britney......

Dreams that tell of events soon to come, just fantasy right? Wrong! Meet Britney Summers. Who, since her twelfth birthday has been haunted by strange dreams about hunch back men and monsters.
After waking up sweating with fear the young girl would always tell herself that they were just dreams. Were they?
But Britney soon finds out the truth, and part of the truth is, these dreams are always there, protecting her, by telling her of dangers to follow.
Now Britney, with the help of ther friends, must fight to survive what the truth has brought her.

Preveiw from Nicole's second book, Devolin's Return, featuring our little heroin Britney!
"I'll leave you now master; the little girl will be awake soon so you might want to apply that potion soon." The creature advised as he walked away.
Once the Enchanted Sleeper was gone Devolin tilted the young girls' head up. It amazed him at how much Britney looked like Starla. Both mother and daughter had long black hair and they both had the same sapphire blue eyes. The twelve-year-old girl was wearing a pair of white shoes, a pair of blue jeans, and a white and pink T-shirt. Britney gave a little cough as Devolin poured the orange potion down her throat, her father backed away as the little girl spit some of the potion out while she was coughing. No matter, Devolin thought, it was only a little bit of the potion that she spit on to the couch. After her cough Britney did not stir or wake up, which was a good sign, because the book had said that the potion would cause the person to sleep for a couple of hours. This allowed the potion some time to sink into the person's brain to whip the required areas of the memory away.

If you are interested in reading more, email us at dawngagnon@mofobo.net and we will inform you how you can order a copy of Nicole Jalonen's book