Maria Never Gives Up is a story of hope and bravery when a little girl becomes ill and how life as she knew it changed. Maria was diagnosed with kidney disease at the age of nine. It is based on real life events. This book is designed to help children in their personal struggle with the emotional and physical roller coaster that is brought on by a chronic illness to ease the process and understand. What makes the story unique is it is told by Maria's Teddy Bear, Teddy. He makes her life a little more "Bear-able." Maria is a brave little girl and never gives up. "Are You Like Me?"