Katrina and Winter: Partners in Courage

Katrina Simpkins is an All American Hero.  She is a role model to thousands of kids and adults, those with special needs and those without. 

(Please see the video of Katrina and Winter at the bottom of this post.)

Katrina at age 8

When Katrina's journey to become a "normal girl" began, she was eight years old, a birth defect survivor of a condition called Proximal femoral focal deficiency and a victim of constant vicious bullying by schoolmates.  Even with her parents' love and support, her life was a misery, and Katrina was depressed and despondent.

Then she met Winter. Winter, the dolphin.  Winter lost her tail to a crab trap and almost died.  Instead, she was rescued by a fisherman named James Savage and taken to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, where she lives safely and happily today, helping others like her to adjust and ultimately live fulfilling lives.

To that end, I've written the authorized biography of Katrina.  The book, which will be launched within the next month, is called Katrina and Winter:  Partners in Courage, published by Guardian Angel Publishing.

Katrina's first look at Winter

Here is an excerpt:

Hi, I’m Katrina Simpkins and am here to see Winter,” she said to the lady behind the ticket counter.

The woman came around the desk and gave Katrina a hug. “It’s nice to see you again, dear. You’re expected upstairs.”

Katrina grinned and pushed a curl off her face. “Thanks. I’m so excited to be here. See you later.” She walked toward the stairs, the thought of her prosthetic leg struggling up the steps bothering her not a bit.

 Katrina put her hands to her mouth when she saw the dolphin. “Winter,” she half whispered. “I’m back.”

Katrina and "Winter"
in
Shriners Van (New Prosthesis)

“Hey, Katrina,” the trainer called. “Get into a wet suit, and come on in. Our girl’s waiting.”

“Okay,” she said, watching Winter watch her.

After Katrina changed into a wet suit, she lowered herself into the tank and waited. The trainer said, “Here comes Winter. Wow. Does she know you, or what?”

“She’s swimming right into my arms,” a tearful Katrina said. And the young dolphin stayed there while her friend whispered to her and stroked her head. “I’ve missed you so much,” Katrina said softly.

The trainer smiled. “You guys are a lot alike. No wonder you’re such good friends.”

“Video crew’s here!” the grey haired volunteered shouted, breaking the spell.

“I have to go now, but I’ll be back soon,” Katrina told the dolphin. “We’re doing a film together.” I can’t believe any of this is happening, she thought, slowly lifting herself out of the water.

It is my hope you will read Katrina and Winter.  It is a tribute to Katrina, Winter and all others who must live with a special needs problem and rises above the handicap until it is not a handicap any longer.  It's a badge of honor and a badge of courage.  Katrina and Winter.  Winter and Katrina.  Heros both.

Katrina and Winter: Partners in Courage (My New Chapter Book Biography of Katrina Simpkins with Winter, the Dolphin)

Katrina Simpkins is a hero to everyone who meets her.  She is certainly a hero to me.


(Please see video about Katrina and Winter, the dolphin of the Dolphin Tale film at the bottom of this post.)

I heard about Katrina three years ago at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida, where we had gone to see Winter the young dolphin who had lost her tail in a crab trap line.  She had been fitted with a prosthetic tail to help her swim the way a dolphin does. 

A video had been produced by the aquarium about Winter's meeting children fitted with prosthetic limbs who found strength and solace in this amazing dolphin.  Katrina, whose life had been profoundly changed by meeting Winter, was featured in the video. 

Two and a half years later, I received a phone call from a woman who identified herself as Martie Simpkins.  I immediately thought, "I've heard of this woman."  And I had.  

Martie is Katrina's mom.  She'd seen what I'd written about Winter on my blog and wanted me to write the authorized biography of Katrina, as it related to her relationship with Winter.

Katrina's first look at Winter, the dolphin

I was excited and apprehensive about doing the book.  I'd never done a biography, and it was instantly crucial to me to do the best job I could for Katrina.  It was both frightening and exhilarating.

And then I met Katrina.  She and her family, who live in Indiana, visited us one weekend.  That's all it took.  She captured my heart as she does everyone's.  The book is important for Katrina.  For me, it is serious, and it has become personal.


Katrina Simpkins, who was born with Proximal femoral focal deficiency , is the bravest person I've ever met.   She is kind, loving, expansive and wise.  And she's only twelve.  It is my honor to have written her biography.  The book will be released in May, 2012 by Guardian Angel Publishing. 

Katrina and Nancy at the author's home.

The story of Katrina and Winter is inspiring.  Her life is remarkable, as is Winter's.  These two youngsters are forever inextricably connected.  Each has a formidable story.  Each is a hero of the first water.  Put them together with the help of Guardian Angel Publishing, and you have Katrina and Winter:  Partners in Courage.