We were lucky to catch up with Jannesy DeLeon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jannesy , thanks for joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

My journey as a caregiver has been the driving force behind every idea I’ve ever pursued. As a mother to two children with profound disabilities and medical complexities, I’ve lived the daily realities of navigating a world that isn’t always built for inclusion. When my daughter Gabriella was born, non-verbal, non-ambulatory, and who soon after became dependent on a ventilator, my entire life shifted. Then, with the arrival of my son Nicholas, also non-verbal and with his own unique needs, I knew my role wasn’t just as their mother—it was as their fiercest advocate.

Between caregiving and fighting for their place in the world, I realized that inclusion was a necessity. That’s where the idea for my two books came from. I wanted to create stories that not only reflected my children’s lives but celebrated them. I wanted stories that taught children and adults alike the beauty of inclusion and the strength of resilience.

Writing my first book, Tag! You’re It: A Story on Inclusion with Gabby & Nicky, was my way of amplifying their voices and creating a bridge for other families to feel seen and represented.

This work isn’t just meaningful to me because it’s personal; it’s meaningful because it’s creating change. It’s showing others that inclusion starts with understanding and that our children—whether they’re non-verbal or differently-abled—deserve a world that sees them as valuable contributors. And in doing so, I’ve found my purpose not just as a caregiver but as a creator and advocate.”

Jannesy , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My journey into writing and advocacy was born out of necessity, resilience, and love. As a full-time caregiver to my two incredible children, Gabriella and Nicholas, who live with profound disabilities, I’ve spent over two decades navigating a world that often overlooks their needs. This reality inspired me to become not only their caregiver and advocate but also a voice for inclusion and understanding.

I began writing children’s books as a way to share their stories and amplify the message of inclusion. My debut book, Tag! You’re It: A Story on Inclusion with Gabby & Nicky, highlights the importance of embracing differences and fostering empathy. It was followed by Not A Shot!: A Story of Overcoming Fear, which empowers children to confront their anxieties. Both books are deeply personal and reflect our family’s journey, but they also serve as tools for educators, families, and children to learn and grow together.

What sets my work apart is its authenticity. My books don’t just speak to inclusion; they live it. Gabriella and Nicholas inspire every character and storyline, making each page a reflection of real-life experiences. Beyond the books, I’ve developed complementary products like teacher resource guides, inclusion affirmation cards, eco-friendly reusable bags, high-quality wrapping paper, and puzzles that all emphasize my mission of promoting understanding and inclusivity. These products extend the impact of my stories, providing practical tools for families, educators, and communities.

Part of my mission is to create tangible change. I’ve partnered with and sponsored organizations to raise funds for inclusive playgrounds—spaces where children of all abilities can play and thrive together. Looking ahead, my goal is to establish a foundation in Gabriella and Nicholas’s name to continue advocating for inclusion, accessibility, and support for families like ours.

The most rewarding part of this journey is seeing how my work resonates with others—whether it’s a teacher using my books in a classroom, a parent sharing how their child felt seen for the first time, or a community rallying behind an inclusive initiative. My brand is more than just stories; it’s a mission to create a more inclusive, understanding world for children like Gabriella and Nicholas and families like ours.

This is just the beginning. Through my books, products, and future foundation, I aim to inspire others to take steps—big or small—toward building a better, more inclusive world. Together, we can make inclusion a way of life, not just an idea.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

There have been many moments in my journey that tested my resilience, but one of the most defining was being diagnosed with thyroid cancer while pregnant with Nicholas. At the time, Gabriella had recently been trached and we were knee-deep in managing her complex medical needs—ventilator care, countless doctor visits, and sleepless nights consumed by worry over her health. Adding to that, I was preparing to welcome a second child into a world already filled with so many challenges.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, my world tilted. I had to wait until after Nicholas was born to begin treatment, which meant carrying that weight through the remainder of my pregnancy. I tried to stay strong for my growing family, but the uncertainty was always there, looming in the background. Once Nicholas was born, the roles shifted—suddenly, I wasn’t just the caregiver anymore; I was also the patient. I was recovering from childbirth while preparing for surgery, all while managing the full-time care of two children with extraordinary needs.

This is something I rarely talk about. In fact, many people who know me don’t even know I battled cancer over 20 years ago. It’s not something I focus on—I’ve always preferred to leave the past in the past and look forward. Sometimes even I forget that I fought this battle and overcame it. But looking back, I realize how much it shaped me.

There were days when the fear and exhaustion felt insurmountable, but I knew I didn’t have the luxury of giving up. My children needed me, and that gave me the strength to keep going. I pushed through treatment and recovery with the same determination I used to advocate for Gabriella’s and Nicholas’s care. That period of my life forced me to discover a resilience I didn’t know I had. It taught me to fight for myself so I could continue fighting for them.

This chapter in my life didn’t just test my strength—it redefined it. It laid the foundation for everything I’ve done since, from becoming an author to advocating for inclusion. The stories I write today—about overcoming fear, about resilience, about embracing differences—are born out of these very experiences. Cancer didn’t stop me; it strengthened me. It reminded me that even in the face of immense challenges, love and purpose are powerful forces that keep us moving forward.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The core mission driving my creative journey is to reshape the narrative around inclusion and create a world where every child, regardless of ability, feels seen, valued, and celebrated. My work as an author, advocate, and caregiver stems from a deep belief that storytelling has the power to change perspectives and bridge divides.

Through my books and accompanying resources, I aim to foster understanding and empathy—tools that I believe are essential for building a more inclusive world. But it doesn’t stop at storytelling. My ultimate goal is to inspire actionable change, whether it’s through raising funds for inclusive playgrounds, partnering with organizations to promote accessibility, or eventually creating a foundation in my children’s names.

At the heart of my mission is the belief that inclusion isn’t a favor; it’s a right. It’s about creating opportunities and spaces where differences are not just tolerated but embraced. I want my work to leave a lasting impact, sparking conversations and inspiring others to take steps—big or small—toward a more compassionate and inclusive future.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jannesydeleon.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jannesydeleon?igsh=MTEwcms4b2h6c21oNA==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AoQQU1DbD/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannesy-deleon-314517229?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
• Twitter: https://x.com/jannesydeleon?t=S0DfPLIfHUsH75PetPCfDA&s=09
• Other: https://www.threads.net/@jannesydeleon

Image Credits
Ermelin Photos and Lux Summit Studio