CINCINNATI — An Ohio teenager who lost his father while battling a brain injury, autism and diabetes is now a published author.

What You Need To Know

  • 17-year-old student Danny Williams has to keep a close eye on his health because of his illnesses
  • He said he always loved to read and write to take his mind off of his daily struggles 

  • His first book was released in September and he plans to make it into a series

Danny Williams said he used to want to be a football player, and would often practice with his dad as a kid in Cincinnati, but something changed that. 

“I can’t play contact sports, which I used to really enjoy football,” said Danny.

He was diagnosed with diabetes, autism and a brain defect 

“One of the things I could kinda sum it up as is, frustrating at times,” said Danny. 

All of his medical problems were found after his mom, Andreya Williams, said he took a blow to the head when he was younger.

“We found out, actually thought he had a concussion and took him to the hospital, and (his) eyes started to roll to the back of his head. We couldn’t figure out what was going on, he’d hit his head,” said Andreya Williams. 

At the same time, she said her husband, Danny’s father, was rushed to the hospital.

“He had congestive heart failure. He had an LVAT on, so they were going through this like scenario together. My husband had the LVAT, and he had an endocrine pump, so they had a real tight bond,” said Andreya Williams.

But his dad didn’t make it.

He passed away in 2014.

Seven years later, Danny never lost sight of his dreams. They just look different now. 

“I’ve always loved reading, it’s a real passion of mine, and the more I read amazing stories, I’ve always wanted to write something as good as those,” said Danny. 

Through his struggles, the loss of his father, and daily battle to stay healthy, he became a published author. 

“It’s kinda crazy to think about, because I’ve always wanted to write a story, and one to actually get it published,” said he said. 

Danny joined the Junior Authors program in Cincinnati to help make his book a reality. 

It's a fiction book about a girl’s adventure and journey. 

It's a book he hopes lives up to his dad’s last words, and one that just for a second, he hopes, will help take you away from your struggles.

“Just to positively impact someone’s life, that’s my goal,” said Danny. 

To find out more or read Danny's book, you can find it here.

Related Stories