GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Local author Kellie Jacobus knows firsthand the comfort a friendly face can bring to a rough situation.

A resident of Green Cove Springs, Jacobus has published two books in her collection of children’s stories which follow a year in the life of a woman in the hospital through the eyes of a stuffed toy puppy. “The Adventures of Rut Roh and Breonna” published in 2019, and the sequel “The Joyous Adventures of Rut Roh and Breonna” released in April of 2021 tell a story that is all too personal to Jacobus.

In 2016 Jacobus was hospitalized for an unknown health concern that quickly spiraled out of control. With a blood sugar level of more than 1,000 and with her blood pressure dropping below 50 at one point, Jacobus admits she shouldn’t be alive.

The test results came back inconclusive, with some doctors ruling the issue as a frontal lobe stroke, and others saying it was undiagnosed diabetes. The resulting damage to her immune system rendered the retired teacher chronically ill. Jacobus spent the next few years in and out of the hospital as she suffered from infections and seizures that left her unable to walk. Although the doctors never found an answer, Jacobus said writing the books was her way of saying “thank you” to the medical staff and doctors who helped her.

She said the best part of the experience of writing and publishing her story was the chance to share her story. She also appreciates the ability to speak with others about her experience in the health care system. Jacobus also participates in interviews with local school classes, encouraging them to keep trying their hobbies with the message: “If I can do it, you can.”

Jacobus is currently working on the third book in the series and is excited about its future release. “The Adventures of Rut Roh and Breonna” and the sequel “The Joyous Adventures of Rut Roh and Breonna” can both be purchased on Amazon or through retailers such as Target and Barnes and Noble.