Jayden Gysel, a 12 year old Club from Knokke-Heist, lived his dream on Thursday afternoon, presenting his book ‘Jayden en Blauwzwart Forever’ in the most symbolic of places: the Jan Breydel Stadium dressing rooms.
From dream to book. A strong tale about resilience
Jayden is suffering from a rare musculatory disease called FKRP, keeping him from going for his biggest dream of becoming a striker at Club Brugge. Jayden, however, never gave up on his dreams. He just tweaked it.
In a meet and greet with youth author Brigitte Minne two years ago, Jayden stood up when Brigitte asked who was thinking of writing a book at some point. His pitch was a boy dreaming of a career as a Club striker, but forced to chose another path due to a musculatory disease. A moving story, even more so as it is the reality Jayden is living in.
The two shook hands and decided to turn it into a book. Publishers Alice Wonders jumped on the bandwagon, and two years later the book will be hitting the shelves: an honest, heart-warming, sometimes light, sometimes gripping story, just like Jayden is himself in real life.
A book presentation in true Club style
Club Brugge Foundation is backing Jayden's story the full 100%. By the end of August, Jayden was invited to Club's Basecamp for a photo session with the players, staff, and with his idol Romeo Vermant. Romeo promised Jayden a very special goal celebration when he scores his next goal: a pair of glasses as a symbol of seeing those kids who have been affected by disease. One month down the track, Romeo came through, scoring the decisive 1-2 in the 92nd minute at Standard.
What better venue than Jan Breydel for Jayden's book presentation. Jayden and his class mates were picked up by the official players' bus, and were welcomed at the dressing rooms. Out injured, Romeo was unable to make it that day, but he asked Nordin Jackers to take his place. Together with Jayden and writer Brigitte Minne, they read a couple of excerpts from the book.
Jayden was then joined by his family and friends as they celebrated the book's publication. A day to remember for a brave young fellow, with a heart beating as loudly for Club Brugge as it does for his heroes.
“Dreams dont' just disappear when life's not going your way”
Brigitte Minne reckons Jaydens story deserves a bigger stage: “Jayden has taught me that dreams don't just go away when life takes a different turn, they just take on another shape. His power, humour and resilience have made this book into what it is now. My hopes are that children, be they healthy or ill, see in Jayden that it's always possible to find new ways to fulfil your dreams.”
Club goalkeeper Nordin Jackers was also moved by the initiative: “Like so many children, my dream was to become a professional football player. I think it's fantastic that Jayden will be able to inspire so many children to keep dreaming, even when life makes it hard on you. It's something of tremendous value.”
Jayden's parents, Julie and Dieter, couldn't be more proud of their young author: “The book has become something of a time capsule, in which Jayden tells how he is experiencing his disease, and still manages to keep a positive outlook. It's just very moving.”
Jayden was all beams. “I never could have dreamt for all of this to happen. I'll be remembering this for the rest of my life. I want to tell people just what it's like to have this disease, and show fellow sufferers that they are not alone. Keep chasing your dreams, no matter what happens.”
Available at our Club Shop & in the web shop
The book ‘Jayden en Blauw Zwart Forever’ will be available at the Club Shop at Jan Breydel, and in our web shop through www.clubshop.be. Book price will be €24,50.
Publishers Alice Wonders will be offering all proceeds to De Warmste Week and to a project for chronically ill kids at the University Hospitals of Leuven and of Ghent.
