From Cape Cod shores to a neuroscience lab: Friel’s true story

Falmouth native Kathleen Friel’s inspiring journey is chronicled in a new book. According to a community announcement, “Rewriting the Rules,” by Danna Zeiger, tells the story of how Friel overcame early challenges after being diagnosed with cerebral palsy.

A doctor once told her parents that she had no rehabilitative potential and should be sent to an institution. They sought a new doctor, which changed Friel’s life.

Friel developed her own methods to navigate the world and pursued a passion for science. She earned a PhD and now leads an award-winning lab focused on therapies for children with cerebral palsy. Despite the first doctor’s grim predictions, Friel has skied, rock climbed, and biked. She also became a black belt in Taekwondo after training with a supportive instructor.

The book features Friel and her family, who have deep roots on Cape Cod. One illustration shows a young Kathleen playing on Cape shores, highlighting her connection to the area.

“Rewriting the Rules” will be released on Sept. 9. Zeiger, who is a Massachusetts resident and former mentee of Friel, frequently visits the Cape. The book is illustrated by Josée Bisaillon and published by Millbrook Press, Lerner Publishing Group. It targets first through fourth graders but addresses themes relevant to all children, including brain injury, STEM, neuroscience, growth mindset, and disability advocacy.

The book has received positive reviews, with School Library Journal calling it a must-purchase for libraries. Booklist praised it for featuring a determined woman of STEM who defies challenges.

Friel is currently battling metastatic breast cancer, but she and Zeiger hope to host events on the Cape this fall. Details will be shared on Zeiger’s website: https://www.dannazeiger.com.

This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at

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