In Celebration of World Diabetes Awareness Month
As the world observes Diabetes Awareness Month, Puja’s story reminds us that education and empathy go hand in hand. Through her book, she hopes to nurture kindness in young readers while helping families and educators begin conversations about health and acceptance.
Featured in Partnership with Write and Release Publishing
As one of our most heartfelt collaborations, Leila and DeeDee exemplifies what we stand for — stories with purpose. Working closely with our team, Puja turned her real-world experiences into a book that now reaches families across the globe.
Spreading Awareness, One Story at a Time
In honour of World Diabetes Awareness Month, we celebrate Puja Patel for using her voice to promote education, empathy, and empowerment not just for children living with diabetes, but for all who value kindness and inclusion. Together, let’s raise awareness, inspire understanding, and remind the world that every story like every child, deserves to be seen. 💙
November Author Spotlight
Meet the inspiring mind behind Leila and DeeDee
This November, Write and Release Publishing is proud to feature Puja Patel, a Toronto-based Registered Nurse and Diabetes Educator who’s transforming her medical expertise and compassion into a powerful story for children. Her book, Leila and DeeDee, teaches children that understanding and compassion can make a world of difference.
Author of the book, "Leila and DeeDee"
Puja Patel Shines a Light on Empathy and Inclusion
Puja’s debut children’s book, Leila and DeeDee, tells the heartwarming story of a young girl navigating school life with a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) on her arm, a device that helps manage her diabetes. Nervous about how her classmates might react, Leila’s fears are met with empathy, friendship, and acceptance.
“Children are naturally curious and open-minded,” Puja explains. “If we can teach them about kindness and inclusion early on, we can change how they view others who are different from them.”
Puja Patel
Author
About the Author: From Healthcare to Heartfelt Storytelling
As a Diabetes Educator, Puja has seen how medical conditions can make children feel different and how a lack of understanding from peers can lead to isolation. Her mission? To change that through storytelling.
“True change starts with education at a young age,” Puja shares. “Children are naturally curious and open-minded. I wanted to create a story that helps them see that differences—like wearing a medical device—are nothing to be afraid of.”
Her debut picture book, Leila and DeeDee, bridges that gap beautifully, turning a complex topic like diabetes into a heartwarming, relatable tale about empathy and courage.
@wellnesscareca
Website
www.wellnesscareca.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: LEILA AND DEEDEE
A Heartwarming Story of Courage and Acceptance
In Leila and DeeDee, readers meet Leila, a young girl adjusting to life with a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) on her arm, a medical device that helps manage her diabetes. Nervous about returning to school, she fears her classmates might see her differently. With the help of her friend DeeDee, Leila learns that being different is nothing to hide, and that kindness can make all the difference.
- Teaches Empathy and Understanding
- Introduces Health Awareness Early
- Encourages Confidence and Self-Acceptance
- Builds Emotional Intelligence
- Perfect for Home or School
AVAILABLE IN MANY BOOKSTORES WORLDWIDE
Get Your Copy of Leila and DeeDee
Bring home this touching story that helps children understand what it means to be kind, brave, and inclusive.
What’s Next for Puja Patel
Continuing Her Mission of Empathy and Education
Puja is already brainstorming future projects that build on her passion for health awareness and emotional education. Her upcoming works aim to empower children to advocate for themselves and others—especially those living with chronic conditions.
“I want to keep creating stories that help kids find confidence in their differences and compassion for others.”
Partnering with Write and Release Publishing: A Journey of Collaboration and Care
Behind every great book is a partnership built on trust, creativity, and shared purpose. That’s exactly what Puja Patel found with Write and Release Publishing. As a first-time author, Puja entered the publishing world with passion and purpose, but also with the understandable nerves that come with turning a personal story into a published work. From the very beginning, the Write and Release team embraced her vision with genuine care.
Puja describes her publishing experience as “exceptional.”
“Kerri Anne and the team at Write and Release Publishing truly understood my vision. From refining the manuscript to developing the illustrations, their support was invaluable. I always felt heard, supported, and inspired to keep going.”
She encourages aspiring authors to take the leap:
“Start with a purpose—and just begin. The world needs more stories that inspire kindness and understanding.”