Chelsea's Story

A new book is celebrating the life of a teenager, who passed away three years ago, after a double lung and heart transplant. Many of you may have followed her story on WKRG News Five, several years ago.

The book, "It Gives a Lovely Light" is a tribute Chelsea Groves, a young lady with a fighting spirit. She was diagnosed primary pulmonary hypertension, a fatal lung disease, at age eight, but fought with the will of someone much older, as she endured countless medical procedures, and ultimately a double lung heart transplant at age 13.

After her death in 2007, Church member and author Victor Whelan contacted the Groves about writing Chelsea's story. He was touched by the number of people, who Chelsea touched in her short life. He interviewed Chelsea's family members, friends, and medical professionals for the book. He also used parts of her journals. "It's a story of a celebration of life and intense vitality. That is something you don't find very often in someone who has spent a lifetime fighting illness."

Chelsea's parents, Margaret and Charlie Groves, say Victor captured Chelsea perfectly in, "It Gives a Lovely Light. Charlie says, " Victor managed to portray an amazing child... because that is the only way, and not because she was mine, but because I saw the way she touched people around her." Margaret Groves recalls how she felt reading the book. "Chelsea has a voice through Victor. Victor's words are beautiful. You may cry, but you will laugh. I was laughing. I was crying. I learned things about my daughter that I didn't know."

One thing that Chelsea's parents hope you will take away from the book, is the importance of organ donation. Chelsea enjoyed two and a half years of life after her transplant.

If you would like to read more about this lovely young lady in, "It Gives a Lovely Light," you can purchase a copy at Bienville Books in Mobile.

Press Play to hear Chelsea's parents, and author Victor Whelan discuss the book. You will also hear Chelsa in her own words in 2004.