Cheston Brown doesn’t view himself as having disabilities. Instead, he sees himself as a superhero with superpowers.
He’s used those powers to begin making a difference in the lives of kids similar to him, as well as to remind them that they matter.
Cheston created CHB Publishing Company two years ago. The teenager, who has Autism, Mitochondrial Disorder, Asthma, Epilepsy and utilizes a G-tube, began using storyboards with one of his teachers as a way to help him communicate. It helped him explain how he was feeling, especially as he experienced anxiety before hospital appointments or after procedures.
The storyboards eventually turned into children’s books about his experiences. His main goal with them was to help himself and kids just like him feel safe.
“It helps me remember that I can do hard things, even when they feel impossible,” Cheston said. “No matter how small my accomplishments may seem, they are still very important.”
Cheston has published 32 books since starting his publishing company. They’ve been distributed to family, friends, Barnes & Noble bookstores, as well as to local hospitals in the Phoenix area, one of them being Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
The books, while mainly focusing on his life with his disabilities, each have a different overall theme.
Cheston’s favorite book involves a horse named Daisy. He met her years ago and fell in love after riding her for the first time.
In the book, she goes on various adventures, visiting ranches alongside her friends – some include Cheston. It’s a favorite among some of the kids he has donated books to, and it brings him joy to see the look on their faces while reading.
“I didn’t know I could make this many kids smile,” Cheston said.
Cheston’s publishing company has picked up steam in recent months. He was featured by ABC15 News Arizona during a give-a-thon on April 9, 2024. He has an online bookstore through bookshop.org, which has raised nearly $40 million for local bookstores. A portion of Cheston’s sales goes toward that fund.
He’s seen an uptick in sales on Amazon, and when walking into Barnes & Nobles it’s rare to not catch a glimpse of at least one child enjoying his work.
“I love it so much,” Cheston said. “Growing on Amazon, growing on Barnes & Noble. It’s growing everywhere you can imagine. It’s a real cool feeling.”
Many of Cheston’s ideas stem from various hospital stays.
He took the time being treated to think of ways he could lend a helping hand to other kids like him. His family helped him come up with the idea for children’s books.
Cheston was sold on the idea right away.
The ideas were slow to form at first, unsurprising to his family given his health at the time. But as he has become able to manage his disability and live closer to an independent lifestyle, the ideas began to flow quickly.
Ultimately, he aims to be a friend to kids, a support system that can help them navigate challenging times in life.
“I just want to make sure everyone in the hospital has a friend,” he said.
While still living with disabilities, some of Cheston’s worst days may be behind him as he grows older and learns how to manage them. He recognizes the struggle of lengthy hospital stays or uncertainty.
But he believes that made him stronger.
“I’m really strong. Absolutely strong,” Cheston said. “It’s my dream to become popular and help kids. That dream is coming true.”
Cheston aims to continue donating his books to hospitals and schools. He believes the more he can donate, the bigger difference he can make.
Just like he wants to remind himself he is not alone in anything he goes through, he wants all kids to feel the same. And just like he has been shown love throughout his battles, he wants to support others by showing them love, too.
“Behind every smile and laugh, there might be challenges you can’t see,” one of Cheston’s favorite sayings reads. “Let’s practice kindness and empathy and help each other reach the highest heights.”
