Blog Tour: Buddy by Jim Roelofs #nonfiction #biography #giveaway #interview #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

Overcoming Cerebral Palsy, Abandonment, and Poverty

Nonfiction / Biography

Date Published: August 29, 2025

In a world where resilience shines through adversity, "Buddy: Overcoming Cerebral Palsy, Abandonment, and Poverty" offers a moving portrait of a life lived against the odds. Written by a retired radiologist who unexpectedly discovered the power of storytelling, this book chronicles the extraordinary experiences of Buddy, a man with Cerebral Palsy who has defied societal expectations and personal challenges.

The narrative begins on a seemingly ordinary summer bike ride, where Buddy’s remarkable spirit first captured the attention of his fellow cyclists. Despite facing the trials of abandonment and poverty, Buddy's polite demeanor and thoughtful presence soon revealed the depth of his journey. As conversations around the picnic table echoed the desire to share his story, a reluctant author was born. With the encouragement of friends, family, and a determination to honor Buddy's incredible life, the author embarked on a mission to bring this inspiring tale to light.

Through a series of heartfelt interviews, we delve into Buddy’s memories that trace back to early childhood, uncovering a treasure trove of experiences that illuminate his unyielding strength. With contributions from friends who painted the backdrop of his life, this book is not just a biography; it's a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome.

"Buddy" is a compelling read for anyone who believes in the power of perseverance and the importance of sharing our stories. Join the author as he takes you through the highs and lows of Buddy’s life, revealing the beauty of friendship, the struggle for acceptance, and the enduring hope that shines through even the darkest of circumstances. Discover why, "If not me, then who?" is a question that resonates deeply within all of us.

Interview

1. What was your main drive to write this book?

I realized that Buddy’s life story was extraordinary. He overcame incredible challenges and odds. Several members of our biking group got to know Buddy over two summers of biking. Everyone agreed that the biography should be told, but after much discussion, I was the last man standing. I wrote not for recognition of me as an author, but rather to let the world know a truly remarkable story.

2. What do you hope readers will learn by reading this book?

It took an incredible amount of courage for Buddy to persevere through cerebral palsy, abandonment, and poverty. Profiling or stereotyping an individual may lead to inappropriate conclusions. One must be perceptive to find hidden depth of character.

3. Did you do much research when planning this book?

I was fortunate to have a medical background that allowed me to understand the cause of cerebral palsy and how it limits the functioning of the musculoskeletal system.

Most of my research involved interviewing the main character, Buddy. His friends added color to some of the stories, but his remarkable memory provided most of the detail.

4. Did you have any main people who helped you in the process of this book or influenced you to write it?

There were at least nine members of the biking group who got to know Buddy and offered encouragement. Brian, the Resort owner who hired Buddy when he was a teenager, developed a lifelong friendship. He was the organizer of bike rides for socialization during the pandemic and it was through him that I got to know Buddy. Brian regaled me with many colorful stories, so I knew there was a wealth of interesting material to write about. Buddy agreed to have his life story exposed and print.

5. How long did it take you to write the book from initial thought to hitting publish?

It took approximately 2 years. I first had to brush up on my writing skills through online courses and reading textbooks before I started to develop the manuscript. All of my writing during my career as a physician was to produce medical imaging reports. Literary writing is significantly different than scientific reporting.

6. Do you have plans to write more about this topic or new topics?

Not at the moment. I wrote this book because I was inspired by the story. I do not have others waiting to be told at this point.

About the Author