Never Give Up!

"Limits don't define you; you define your own limits!"

Young Xander Zimmons has three main loves in life: his mom and dad, his dog Maddie, and basketball. But as the new kid at Piedmont Middle School, he has nobody to shoot hoops with and worries that his epilepsy might make him stick out more than an airball at a playoff game. That is until he meets Evan Thomas, a cool, quiet kid who shares Xander's love for basketball. Evan has autism, and the new best buds instantly bond over their "invisible" disabilities and their passion for the game. Things get really exciting when they're invited to attend a Bounce Out the Stigma basketball clinic run by "Mighty" Mike Simmel-a real-life basketball pro who doesn't let epilepsy interfere with his sick dribbling skills. At Mighty Mike's clinic and camp, the boys meet other kids just like them who have disabilities and love to play b-ball. Together, the kids learn that nothing can slow them down.

"Never Give Up is a powerful and inspiring book that offers hope for anyone facing challenges in their life. Mike Simmel takes readers on a personal journey through hurdles and challenges he faced living with epilepsy, while sharing lessons along the way. Never Give Up leaves the reader inspired and ready to conquer whatever challenges life throws their way. Simmel does an amazing job emphasizing the importance of resilience, strength, and the belief that no matter the challenges we encounter, we have an ability to push through and emerge stronger. Success is not defined by what we overcome, but by our commitment to never give up. Never Give Up is a must-read that will encourage you to act and believe that your greatest potential is within reach, no matter the circumstances."

-Jeannine S. Garab, Executive Director, Epilepsy Foundation of Northeast NY

"Never Give Up offers powerful lessons on inclusivity and understanding autism. Through its engaging story, young readers are invited to learn about and celebrate differences, while also exploring the importance of friendship, teamwork, and community. This book creates an opportunity for children to grow in empathy and acceptance, making it a valuable tool for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to nurture a more inclusive world."

-Dr. Suzanne Buchanan, Autism New Jersey Executive Director

" Never Give Up is an amazing children's book that shares a view into the world of disabilities and how children can gain a better understanding of peers who may seem different. This book creates an opportunity for children to learn what it is to be inclusive and aware of others and accepting of not only the limitations someone might have but the "capabilities" that make that person who they are. As a parent of a child that has epilepsy it is impactful and truly a great thing to see, that the book supports making change and ending the STIGMA that surrounds disabilities and allows a truly more visual impact of a more inclusive world."

-Alyssa Lovill, MA QMHP- Epilepsy Warrior Parent

Mike Simmel is known in basketball circles as "Mighty Mike." Despite having had epilepsy for most of his life, Mike was a star player at Don Bosco Prep High School, the Hun School of Princeton, and Purchase College (The State University of New York, or SUNY) and was a ballboy for the New York Knicks. Mighty Mike was also the chief dribbler and halftime performer for the world-famous Harlem Wizards Professional Entertainment Basketball Team from 2001-2014. He has spoken and performed at over 450 summer high school and college basketball camps throughout the country, at the NCAA Final Four, and on stage at the world-famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. Mighty Mike has been a principal performer at NCAA and NBA college halftime shows as well. In 2005, Simmel and his father co-founded the nonprofit Bounce Out the Stigma Project, where he is currently the CEO and program director, running basketball camps and clinics for special needs children as well as performing at school assemblies. The project was started because, at age sixteen, Mike was asked to leave an elite basketball camp after having an epileptic seizure. Since its inception, Bounce Out the Stigma has gained national acclaim, including being named the Junior NBA Program of the Year in May 2019. Simmel has garnered many individual accolades, including commendations and citations in Philadelphia and New Jersey for his work with the special needs population. Mike was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans, with the esteemed TOYA Award, by the US Junior Chamber of Commerce and was named a Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky. In addition, he was honored by the New York Yankees, Philadelphia 76ers, and New York Knicks on special disability awareness nights in front of capacity crowds. In 2024, Mighty Mike Simmel was named the Jr. Knicks Coach of the Year. Mike also co-authored the semi-autobiographical Mighty Mike Bounces Back, published in 2012. Simmel has appeared on ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC news affiliates and on NBA TV, as well as being featured in USA Today for his work in the disability community. For more information on "Mighty" Mike Simmel and the Bounce Out the Stigma Project, please log onto bounceoutthestigma.org or follow on Instagram and Facebook.

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