If I Can, You Can is the story of 31-year-old Hayden Walsh, who lives with cerebral palsy.
In his biography Hayden says, “My Mum once told me that I was given the body I have, and the life I have, and it’s up to me to make the most of it. That’s what I am doing; living with the body I was given to the best of my ability”.
In this first-hand account of Hayden’s life, as told to author Karen O’Sullivan, Hayden candidly lays bare the heartache and triumphs of a life lived to its fullest in a body sometimes unwilling.
The much-loved local has lived in Kyneton for his entire life and has been involved with the Kyneton Football Netball Club for more than two decades.
He began playing Auskick as an 11-year-old, played for the South Kyneton juniors then re-joined the club as a volunteer when he was 17.
Hayden was last year instrumental in getting the club’s first all-ability FIDA team up and running.
He is a partner to Yessah, with whom he shares three-year-old daughter Shanaya.
Karen O’Sullivan has lived in the Macedon Ranges for more than 20 years and has four sons who have all played football for the Kyneton Football Netball Club.
She was the KFNC’s first female president and served for seven years on junior and senior committees.
With a background as a radio and television journalist for more than 25 years, Karen now runs her own media communications business, KOMS Communications.
If I Can, You Can is her first book, she hopes it is the first of many.
“I’ve always wanted to write a book, luckily when I asked Hayden if I could write his story, he said yes,” Karen said.
“Hayden is a unique individual whose actions speak louder than his words.
“He lives a full life, with kindness and purpose, something all of us strive to achieve.”
The book will be launched on Sunday March 27 at the Kyneton Football Netball Club between 2pm-3pm at the Kyneton Showgrounds, as part of the club’s 2022 season launch.
A community launch will also be held from 5.30-7pm on Friday April 1 at The Kyneton Hotel.
Hayden and Karen will be available for book signings and purchases.
All profits from book sales will support Hayden and his family.
If I Can, You Can has been published by small press publisher, In Case of Emergency Press, and features a foreword by AFL Hall of Fame star Nathan Buckley.
It is available to purchase at Aesop’s Attic Bookstore in Kyneton or online at www.icoe.com.au
