Every child deserves to see themselves as strong, loved, and full of purpose. For children born with clubfoot, a condition that affects over 200,000 newborns each year worldwide, that vision can sometimes feel distant. But thanks to Jannell Hembry, a Philadelphia-based educator, designer, and advocate, young hearts are discovering that their differences are not limitations, they are superpowers.
Born with clubfoot herself, Jannell turned her own journey of pain and perseverance into a message of empowerment and healing. Today, she is the author of Clubfoot Track Star: Celebrating How God Made Me!, a joyful, faith-filled children’s book that tells the story of a little girl named Sugarfoot who runs toward her destiny, despite the odds.
In Clubfoot Track Star, we meet Sugarfoot, a spirited girl born with a twisted foot. After surgery, her foot is smaller than the other, yet her determination knows no bounds. She runs faster than all the kids in her neighborhood. But everything changes when she’s asked to remove her shoes at school and is met with teasing and stares. Like many children facing differences, Sugarfoot starts to wonder if she was made wrong. But with the love and guidance of her mother, and a growing faith, she learns a powerful truth, she was made with intention, beauty, and divine love. Support Clubfoot Treatment ”Donate to our partner Miracle Feet!
“God made you with love, and your clubfoot is part of that special plan,” her mother says in the book, echoing the truth that has carried Jannell through life. From self-doubt to self-discovery, Sugarfoot learns to use her voice, her joy, and her story to uplift others. Her journey reminds children everywhere, your difference doesn’t define you, your courage does.
Turning Her Story Into a Movement
Jannell launched a mission of a ongoing movement and determination. Clubfoot Track Star is now a movement that combines storytelling, advocacy, and hands-on programming to spark confidence and compassion in every child it reaches. Explore How to Schedule a Book Signing! Through her partnership with MiracleFeet, a global nonprofit that provides non-surgical treatment for children born with clubfoot, each book sold helps fund real-world healing. Together, they’re changing lives, one footstep at a time.
Support the cause and donate here.
Learn more about “Empowerment in Action: The Clubfoot Track Star Program
World Clubfoot Day – June 3
Every year on June 3rd, the world recognizes World Clubfoot Day, and Jannell leads the charge with book readings, community celebrations, and events that educate and uplift. From children’s hospitals to classrooms, her voice is one of healing and hope. This year, her message will echo at Saint Christopher’s Hospital, where she’ll read Clubfoot Track Star, host assemblies, and encourage young patients to believe in their own strength. Jannell’s interactive programming goes beyond the page and brings Sugarfoot’s journey to life in schools, libraries, churches, and community centers. Each session, whether it’s a creative art workshop, a disability awareness assembly, or a high-energy “Track Star Race Challenge”, plants seeds of empathy, resilience, and joy.
These programs create safe, empowering spaces where children learn to:
- Celebrate what makes them unique
- Stand tall in the face of bullying
- Embrace kindness, faith, and community
- See their differences as their destiny
With an MBA in International Business, a B.A. in Interior Design, and a certification in Art Therapy, Jannell is a leader with purpose who combines professional excellence with personal passion. Her heart beats for youth, especially those who have ever felt overlooked, different, or unseen. She brings the movement to you. Whether it’s Black History Month, Kindness Awareness Week, or Summer Literacy Camp, the Clubfoot Track Star program has themed experiences for every season. Jannell’s message resonates across all ages and backgrounds, reminding us that we are all wonderfully made, no matter how our story begins.
“I wrote Clubfoot Track Star so every child knows they’re not alone,” Jannell says. “This book is a light for anyone running a hard race. Faith, love, and courage will carry you across the finish line.” Jannell.
Stay Connected with Jannell Hembry
Website: Clubfoottrackstar.com
Give The Gift of Walking
Contact: https://www.clubfoottrackstar.com/contact, 267‑402‑6191,
______________________________
Connect with Netta Reads
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have thoughts, questions, or collaboration ideas, let’s connect and celebrate the magic of empowering stories together.
- Website: Nettavibes.com
- Email: info@nettavibes.com
- Follow us on: Instagram
Let’s continue to build a supportive community that uplifts, inspires, and empowers!
Join the Netta Reads Newsletter for inspiration, bold empowerment, and transformational insights, sent straight to your inbox. Sign up now!
Love it ? thank you for this amazing blog