Kevin Bell does what he can. His autobiography, "I Do What I Can," is a story meant to inspire and encourage.
Bell was diagnosed with Friedrich's Ataxia, a severely physically debilitating neurological condition, when he was seven years old.
Bell has been able to persevere in spite of his limitations.
He attended Auburn University and graduated at 19 with a degree in psychology.
He went back to school and two years later graduated in Spanish. Bell eventually became a resident of the Arbor Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center.
In January 2007, Kevin Bell decided to write his life story. The only problem was he couldn't write, having finally lost all of his fine motor skills to Friedrich's Ataxia.
A year later, with the help of former high school teacher Betty Burgess, Bell was able to put pen to paper, so to speak, and tell his story.
Burgess and Bell worked for about an hour each Friday Bell telling the story and Burgess writing it down. Burgess would then type and format at home on her computer.
"Working with Kevin was very inspirational," Burgess said. "I didn't know him well until about three years ago. I really feel like I know him now, because I've been through his life story."
"I Do What I Can" is available in a published form now, and a reception/book signing was held Sept. 10 to release Bell's story to the public.
More than one hundred people filtered in and out of the reception room during the course of the event, dropping in to buy the book and congratulate Bell on his achievement.
These included Mayor Bill Hamm Jr., who read a resolution and proclaimed Sept. 10, 2009, "Kevin Bell Day."
Susan Hubbard, standing in for Rep. Mike Hubbard and Joy Johnston, standing in for Sen. Ted Little, presented similar proclamations honoring Bell for his achievements.
Others who attended the reception had a lot to say about Bell's character.
"You knew he was going to do things, even back when he was at Dean Road Elementary School," said Debbi Coleman.
Bell has made his mother, Debbie Allen, proud.
"He always did what he could, just like the book title says." Allen said. "I'm so very proud of him, of his tenacity, and his will to live and strive to be the best he can be. I love him to death."
Bell, who said the best part of telling his story was the trip down memory lane, said the most important thing someone should take away from reading his book is "hope".
That seems likely, based on what Mary Jane Laumer had to say about Bell, who has known him since he was two.
"He's such a good example for young people, whether they are disabled or not," Laumer said.
Bell is now working on another book.
"It's a crime novel," Laumer said. "The main character is a cop in Auburn. I've got some connections at the police department to help with details. I'm working on it slowly, but steadily."
When Bell isn't writing, however, he most enjoys hanging out with his friends, many of whom are members of the Sigma Kappa sorority here at Auburn University.
When asked what he would say having Friedrich's Ataxia has taught him, Kevin let his humorous and upbeat spirit shine through.
"It has taught me that everybody has at least one area where they are not the best and at least one area where they are," Bell said. "They may not be as handsome or as intelligent as I am, but nobody is perfect."
If you would like to purchase "I Do What I Can" you can contact Betty Burgess at goodwaterbetty@yahoo.com.
Profits go to the Kevin Bell fund to help cover the costs of sitters who come to stay with Bell at Arbor Springs.
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