by Laura Freeman

Reporter

Hudson -- A 17-year-old cancer patient who wrote a book to pass the time while in the hospital is now a published author thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and local volunteers.

In 2005, Stephen Beirne, a Hudson resident and student at Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy in Cuyahoga Falls, was participating on the school's track team when he began experiencing pain in his back.

"We thought it was a strain," said his mother, Olga Beirne. "He went from a healthy child one day to having a massive tumor wrapped around his spine."

Stephen was diagnosed with Chordoma, a rare malignant tumor that usually develops, without explanation, on the spine and base of the skull.

Stephen was treated for his cancer at the Cleveland Clinic with surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy, Olga said. He is now being treated with oral chemotherapy.

He began writing the story as a diversion during treatment, according to his mother. He researched European history and geography to compose a Celtic adventure.

He completed it in nine months.

The story, "November Reign," takes place in November and involves one kingdom's reign over another kingdom, Stephen explained.

Stephen said he likes "The Lord of the Rings," and that tale of a mythical quest influenced his own Celtic adventure.

Eamon, the main character in "November Reign," is a young man who sets out to find a treasure with his friends.

"When they get there, it's not what they expected," Stephen said. "The story shows the Lord's faithfulness."

Stephen said he originally just wanted a few copies for family and friends.

However, the Cleveland Clinic recommended he take advantage of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Make-A-Wish contacted local agencies for help fulfilling Stephen's wish of having his writings turned into a book.

Liz Murphy, owner of the Learned Owl Book Shop in Hudson, sent out the word about the wish, and New York publishing professionals volunteered to take on the project, editing the manuscript and adding illustrations.

A treasure map drawn by Stephen was added to the illustrations.

Command Web and Phoenix Color donated its services and printed 3,000 copies of the book, which hit the shelves in June.

"They never changed his story," Olga said. "He had an author's experience and final approval."

Murphy said her book shop has sold 108 copies since the book came out, and $7.95 from every book sale goes back to the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

Murphy, who read "November Reign," said the book has two themes -- a strong belief in God and the knowledge that everyone has to deal with a lot of unexpected adversity.

Stephen, who lived in Michigan before moving to Hudson, said his fifth-grade teacher, Katherine Chapman, at the Livingston Christian School encouraged him to write, and he dedicated the book "November Reign" to her.

Stephen and his family delivered a copy of the book to Chapman June 14. Stephen also will give each student at CVCA a copy of his book in the fall and will sign his book at the Cleveland Zoo June 28 during the Make-A-Wish Foundation "Walk for Wishes" fundraiser.

Stephen has taken his PSAT to prepare for college and will be a senior at CVCA next fall.

"He's bounced back," Olga said. "Doctors are amazed at his recovery."

Stephen said he plans to write another Celtic adventure book. He said his cancer experience has redirected his future plans to go into the medical field and become a missionary. He still wants to be a missionary and study theology, but says he's spent enough time in the hospital.

Olga said Stephen relied on his faith during his "greatest battles" against cancer and never showed fear.

"Only God could take an experience like this out of the ashes and make it so wonderful with a published book," Olga said. "It shows how God can bless us through adversity."

The Learned Owl Book Shop will host a reception for Stephen July 26 from noon to 2 p.m.

E-mail: lfreeman@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3150