When Ashley Bristowe was told her son, Alexander, would never walk or speak as a result of a rare genetic disorder, her life changed forever. Ashley’s memoir, My Own Blood, chronicles her years as Alexander’s caregiver and advocate, in a Canadian system that often disregards disabilities. Today, Alexander has subverted expectations and regularly attends school and loves to swim. And the University of Alberta now includes Ashley’s book in their curriculum; an important step toward change.