Tough luck channeled into a gift for Racker Centers
Ithacan turns misfortune into children's book Written by Jon Christianson
Article featured in the Ithaca Journal on July 8, 2010
GROTON -- Brandon Graves has had a tough couple of years.
In 2003, Graves was the victim of a house fire in San Diego that killed his housemate. Emergency responders resuscitated Graves, but he was left in a month-long coma, with burns that required extensive skin grafts. He relocated to his native 
In 2003, Graves was the victim of a house fire in San Diego that killed his housemate. Emergency responders resuscitated Graves, but he was left in a month-long coma, with burns that required extensive skin grafts. He relocated to his native Rather than lose hope, Graves channeled the stress of his illness into fulfilling a personal dream. He decided to write a children's book, drawing on years of experience doodling, designing T-shirts, and working with children.
"I'm in the bonus round. I've already croaked," Graves said. "I'm here for a reason."
Ducking out for radiation treatments during his lunch breaks, Graves decided that the proceeds from the book, "In Beaner's Backyard," would go to a toy fund for Franzisca Racker students.
He also started to take his health seriously, changing his diet and walking every day.
"In Beaner's Backyard" deals with an eponymous protagonist who explores his expansive backyard during different seasons. The artwork is a vivid combination of pencil, pastel, watercolor and colored pencil illustrations.
In the toddler room, where Graves used to work, the walls are adorned with his sketches and collaborations with children in the day care facility. Now he is assigned to the ages 3-5 room, where he reports that he has yet to beat any of his kids in a foot race.
Franziska Racker Centers is a not-for-profit based in Tompkins and Cortland counties that provides services and opportunities for people with special needs. "It's like a big family
Graves' reputation precedes him at the Racker Centers, where he distracts children from boo-boos and tantrums with silly impersonations and by deftly removing and reattaching his fingers.
"It's just wonderful to have the love, and be able to give something back," Graves said.
"In Beaner's Backyard" is available at the Racker Centers, Buffalo Street Books, Dino's Mediterranean Deli, West Shore Gas & Grocery, Kelly's Dock-Side Café and The Haunt.
Photo: Brandon Graves, who works at the Franziska Racker Center in the age 3-5 room has written and illustrated a children's book titled "In Beaner's Backyard." The book is the fulfillment of a personal dream for Graves. (SIMON WHEELER / Staff Photo)
