August J Pettigrew

Starla's House August J Pettigrew

Starla's House honors the parents, caretakers, and advocates who passionately support and fight for the rights of the disabled.



August J. Pettigrew didn't know much about disability rights or caregiving. She thought that she was simply preparing for her first baby. It soon became clear, however, that Starla was special.



Pettigrew shares the lessons she began learning as she discovered the unique gifts her daughter had and the challenges she would face as a disabled child and eventual adult.



The first thing Pettigrew noticed about her daughter was that she was so tiny. Starla was delicate and fragile after her birth but soon blossomed into a healthy and happy baby. It wasn't until she was a year old that her syndrome began manifesting. Starla started having seizures. Doctors told Pettigrew that Starla would be dependent on her for the rest of her life.



Pettigrew never let these challenges stop her from loving Starla and fighting for her. In this powerful and inspiring memoir, she details the realities of life as a parent with a special needs child. Pettigrew explains the practicalities but also emphasizes the need to keep joy, hope, and faith in your house and in your life.