The Authors

        Amy McIntyre (on left) and Cindy Fortunato (on right) were childhood best friends who met at Play & Learn Preschool in Muhlenberg, PA at the tender age of 3! Throughout childhood, they kept busy by creating children’s books, and shared the dream of making a “real” book together when they grew up. Although still working on “growing up” they’re thrilled to have worked together in order to accomplish Sammy’s Adventures in Ocean City, NJ! There were lots of other helpers along the way, however, including Pat Fortunato, Cindy’s mother-in-law, and several Ocean City High School art students, under the direction of Allison Smith. They will remain forever grateful to these other artists for their help.

        As a result of the book’s success, Cindy was honored to serve as a Distinguished Judge for the Young Voices Foundation Award for 2009; http://www.youngvoicesawards.com/distinguishedjudges.html.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

        This endearing children’s book not only serves as the perfect souvenir for Ocean City enthusiasts, but it also promotes awareness for a deadly children’s disease called Cystic Fibrosis (CF). The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the leading organization committed to finding new therapies and ultimately a cure for Cystic Fibrosis (CF), and to improving the lives of those with the disease. Cindy was inspired to follow the dream of writing a book after her daughter, Amelia was diagnosed with CF. Watching Amelia endure a lot of hardships that no one should ever have to during a lifetime, especially a child age 5, motivated Cindy to work hard and persist. Over $800 has already been presented to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation from the sales of this book.