Expect a Miracle

Jenny Long's young life tipped into chaos at age 12 with the death of her mother. By 18, she was a high school dropout, pregnant, and married to a convicted felon. But with the birth of her son Conner, Jenny vowed to end the vicious cycle and make a better life for her new family.

Two years later, Jenny's second son, Cayden, was born with spastic cerebral palsy. Undaunted by the doctor's recommendation to place her disabled son in an assisted living facility, she made the courageous decision to raise him at home. Similarly unfazed by Cayden's disability, older brother Conner developed a loving relationship with Cayden, engaging and respecting him with a grace and determination that belied his young age. At age 7, Conner, determined to share his love of athletics with Cayden, entered the Nashville Kids Triathlon, pushing and pulling Cayden every step of the course. The two brothers crossed the finish line together, and their thrilling and emotional race captured the hearts of millions and earned both boys Sports Illustrated Kids's SportsKids of the Year award.

Expect a Miracle is the inspirational story of Jenny's life and how she raised two extraordinary boys against all odds — brothers whose love and determination affirmed Jenny's deeply held faith that everyone, no matter their challenges, can find their miracle.

Jenny Long (author) is the mother of Conner, 9, and Cayden Long, 7, who have competed in triathlons together as Team Long Brothers since 2011. Connor saw it a way for him to connect with Cayden, who suffers from Spastic Cerebral Palsy and they have competed in more than 14 triathlons, including two IronKids Triathlons. In 2012, the brothers were awarded the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS) Hero Among Us Award. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Long-Brothers/123824754368780.

Bob Der (writer), Managing Editor and Publisher of Sports Illustrated Kids and Publisher of Time For Kids, has been a writer and editor at Time Inc. for the past 20 years. A lifelong sports fan, Bob started his career as a reporting intern at Sports Illustrated Kids in the summer of 1990, joined the staff in 1993, and was named Managing Editor in 2006. He first met the Long family in 2012 when Conner and Cayden were recognized as SportsKids of the Year. This is his first book.