BREAKING NEWS! We’ve done it, we’ve titled my book! This is REALLY exciting! Check it out —
“Classified Terminally Ill: A Young Man’s Story of Beating the Odds, by Craig V Abbott II with Joe Abbate.
Is that awesome or what?!
Craig V Abbott II shouldn’t be alive to tell this tale. He was supposed to die before his second birthday, like every other kid with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1. Nobody with SMA I lives to their teens unless they’re on a ventilator 24/7 every day. Few of them attend public school. Almost no one ever holds a guitar or sings because this horrid disease prevents normal neuromuscular growth, usually resulting in fatal complications with breathing. They are terminally ill from birth.
Craig Abbott, 21, SMA Type 1, is not on a ventilator; he plays his Jackson 30th Anniversary guitar, graduated from high school, and sings at his church. Craig Abbott is alive and shouting it to all who struggle. He’s been there and back, and he’s sharing his message of hope, determination, and survival with us all. Despite being “terminally ill” all his life, Craig reaches us with take-away lessons of facing fears, dealing with adversity, and giving back. He’s in this for the long term, and he offers a message of the joy of life.
In this very private and personal tale, Craig reveals the power of pragmatic optimism and survival. Through it all Craig’s awe-inspiring methods for overcoming impossible odds offer us lessons on living with the full grace of every day.
The Craig V Abbott II Autobiography is a work in progress. Check back often to see our new site and learn of news of his book. We invite you to send a note and say hello!






Hey Craig,
Although we have spoken only once via computer….I feel great admiration for you. I have looked up your book and have a copy on order as I write.
I’m sure I will experience many emotions whilst reading your story and am prepared to be greatly inspired and humbled by you.
Good luck with everything you do….and remember….if music be the food of love, turn out the light and put the radio on!
Kind regards,
Kerry (UK)
My husband had SMA 1, he also wasnt supposed to make his 2nd birthday………Creg, finished high school, and graduated from college.Owned his own business…. When we met he only had the use of one arm. I cared for him for almost 10 years before he sprouted wings and went to Heaven, at 47 years of age. I dearly miss him, but God found a cure for him……………He also had a wonderful full life, we married in the hospital 4 days before he left
I can’t wait to read your book…………….
Debbie Caton Webb
Hi Cv I am so thrilled that you have finally finished your dream and that you continue to show what hope and determination can make a miracle come true. you have touched so many lives with your beautiful voice and positive uplifting personality. We and your cousin Carla have ordered your book and are looking forward to reading it. I owe your grandpa a call and will do so tomorrow. May God continue to make your story live on and I look forward to seeing you next summer to sign my book. Love Uncle Chuck and Aunt Bonnie
Wow, you´re truly an inspiration to people!
I hope you´re book do well, and that it makes it over seas to Norway/Europe !
I would love to read it some day, truly inspirational.
Best reguards from Norway!
Love the sneak peak chapters!
You deff. need to let me read the rest!!
Im so proud of you man
keep rocking the guitar and we will jam at some point! I think its really cool that you are sharing your experience, strength and hope with the world! Its a powerful message! Good luck dude
heyy c.v,
thanks for the offer and i can’t wait to read ur book! im so excited and i like ur website and you’ve came along way!(:
AWESOME!! somehow this just wandered onto my FB, I love the pic with curls even tho it was awhile ago!!! I hope you included a chapter or ten about the nurses!!!LOL. If I find pics of you guys soon, I’ll bring copies. All my favorite special friends pics are somewhere VERY safe, can’t find ‘em!! hahaha. give your gramma a hug from me, and of course one for you and craylynne!! jan
Craigory,
Congrats on the book! I am very excited to read it, and am very glad I have gotten to know you. Wish you the best!
Love,
Danielson
hi craig,
i’m really looking forward to reading the book and possibly sharing your story with my students. it’s one thing to persevere from what you have had to deal with for 20 years, but to share your story and offer some hope and inspiration to others makes you a special person that i’m happy to have met. keep singing, keep writing and keep scoring goals for our xbox nhl club!
t.
Hi Craig!
I’m can’t wait for my signed copy of the book!
I’m still kind of upset that I was not chosen as the editor, but I guess I will live. Can’t wait!
Greetings Craig,
I do not know you, but know an acquaintance of yours. Your story enspires me. I look forward to reading your first and subsequent auto biographies. Thank you for inspiration and courage.
Sincerely,
Donna L. Buss
You didn’t tell me you had a book!!! Secrets CV!! Hey hey
Craig,
I am so happy I finally got to meet you. You are amazing and make me laugh
I am looking forward to more adventures with you and maybe we can sing together? I am not skilled — but love to sing! I am also looking forward to the book coming out.
I asked your mom to give you my cell, so I expect a text SOON!!!! <3 Lisa
(also known as "OC – Lisa")
C.V.,
You might not remember me but we where friends when we where little. I’m so great full you are doing well. I offten have wondered how you where growing up.
Tia
Hey bro, Congrats on your new book, I cant wait to read it!
Congratulations on this book! I can’t wait to read it. I know your mom through the NYSDSC (NY Disabilities Services) and I’ve heard great things about you! Congrats – what a great family you have!!!
Your such an amazing person…im so proud to be your friend…congrats on being on the news and with your book….Keep it up
Kristen
Craig I’m so excited about your new book:) congrats!
You were wonderful this morning!! Congrats.. I’m going to sleep now.. night! Aunt Debbie
Here’s the link to the story in the Valley News Online:
http://www.valleynewsonline.com/viewnews.php?newsid=86707&id=1
Hi CV,
Congratulations!!!!!!! I’m looking forward to buying your book.
Kathy L.
Way to go!! Your an awesome young man. Get in touch with me. Saw Deb N. the other day she told me about the book.
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Hi C.V. thanks for sharing your story. Its so cool that your have beat the odds! Good luck in the future and keep your head high!
J. Kells
GRB High School
Hey C.V.
It was awesome to hear from you and I am so glad to see how well you are doing. Keep up the good work and let me know when I can buy that book and when you are going on your book tour. Oh yea, and when you are on Oprah, try to give a shout out to us at GRB…lol
Mr. P
Yoooo craig ur NHL skillz r like 10 times better than mine!! But ill get there one day hopefully
Yo Craig, I know we havent known eachother long. But i feel like weve been playin xbox together for years. I cant wait for your book to come out. And you definately need to come to my school and make a speech. See ya later.
yoooo brotha glad i met u man ur an inspiration, even though i dont know u in real life i consider u one my boys, good luck on that book and you know ill be grabbin myself a copy, now hop on NHL and lets rick roll em!
Hey Craig,
I just wanted to let you know that you’re awesome, and I’m super excited that you have proven every fact wrong. You’re strong and I hope you can keep going strong (:
Good luck on your book, and I’ll be waitin’ for it to come out (: I’ll spread the world all on the west side of the country.
Hey CV!
I am one of your many cousins…I am Barbara Bauerle’s youngest daughter. So proud of you…you are an inspiration and a blessing!!! Keep going and will look forward to following this website and look for your book.
God Bless!!!..xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
What an inspiration you are, and how welcoming your story. I will surely buy, read and share your book. If you need help getting it typed, just give me a call. God Bless and guide you.
i fouund it cv! let me know when it comes out, ill buy it
hey man, if you cranked up the guitar a little louder, could you melt some of this snow? it’s definitely cramping my style! I like that picture of you at the ocean … bet you’d rather be there than here? anyway, keep writing. I like what I’m reading about your book. sign me up, I want one autographed!
This is so awesome. God has really blessed you. Can’t wait to read your book.
What’s up baby bro!!! Congrats on living your dream
I am so proud of you. Words cannot describe. Some people live through their happy and sadness and hold onto it all their own and let their ego control their lives…a few take their happy and sadness and invest it in creating something for others to use as a part of their own life. I am so excited for you and am so proud to have you as family. Love you lil bro
Cool shades!!!
I am so happy that your writing this book; it’s about time! Your story is one that should be shared with all. It is the story of the power of the human spirit. And yours is beautiful… YOU make me smile:)
I am so proud of you! And so excited to read your book! Keep inspiring others….I know you are an inspritation to me!
Your favorite counselor
Beth Mahaney
I see pretty girls everywhere I go
Everywhere I go, everywhere I go
Lol happy VD love you man
I plan on coming to hear you speak…. can hardly wait!!
Craig,Aunt Jackie and I are so excited about this site and your project! You are really gaining speed and it`s exciting to see! We now make your site a daily stop in our web browsing.
Keep up the great work,you are a daily inspiration to all !!
Take care,Talk soon ! Uncle Jim…. : )
Hello CV and thank you for contacting me. Lori Dempsey told me about your research and book and it brought back some very wonderful memories of your high school years. I will certainly be in line to purchase your book when it is published. You are beyond amazing and I am so thrilled to have shared a part of your past. I look forward to following your updates and progress.
Mrs. Fronk
Way to go CV! I look forward to reading your book : )
All I have to say is amazing and inspiring!!!!!! Good for you!
Amazing young man. Wonderful testimony. May the Lord bless you abundantly.
Dunc
Hi C.V.,
It was great to hear from you. I am doing great. This is my 6th year running the Testing Center. How is your family? The book sounds great. You should be very proud of yourself and for what you have accomplished.
Take care,
Mrs. Lawrence
Kudos to you! You are all grown up now and still going strong. So good to hear of your latest accomplishment! I cannot wait to read your book. Peace and love,
Donna (Friend of Debbie Bubble)
I can’t wait i know your story is going to be awesome
Can’t wait to read this story of God’s love for this special young Man!
Amongst all your personal achievements, which are indeed fantastic, I believe your position as a teacher and healer of hearts is the most profound. It is our duty and responsibility as cohabitants on this earth to promote wellness. You have been given a unique opportunity to be heroic. Many of us don’t recognize the open door God has provided for us to be extraordinary. It is with grace you walk and lead us to the path of understanding and compassion. Thank you for your extraordinary effort and willingness to reveal the struggle and reward. The book will be a gift. May God continue to bless you and all those you help.
CV,
I know I havn’t met you yet but I’ve heard many good things about you. I look forward to reading your book and I hope to meet you some day soon.
Good luck with the progress on your book, Im sure you’re doing great so far.
Amy
I’m soo excited about the book, I’ll be the first to buy it! <3 Good luck
I always knew you were going to be famous…
This book sounds awesome (just like you)!
You are one of my biggest heroes C.V. Just know that no matter what I will always be by your side, and cheering you on along the way! I love you and always will big brother. =] Can’t wait for you to finish your book so I too can read about what we have been through. Love You Brother!
Love Always, your younger sister, Cralynne <3
I would love to hear your story. I know that God heals.
It is so exciting to be able to see the process you are going through with your book….I promote it everywhere I go!! I may be your #1 sales rep!!
Love ya buddy!
Hi Craig! I was just thinking about you this week & how much I miss seeing you here every so often.. Then I missed your phone call today on top of that?! =(
Glad you’re doing well & can’t wait to read more in your new book! Take care of yourself and call or write anytime! Luv to hear from you! Cheryl
Craig,
Thanks for letting me know about your website. I will share it with everyone here on 4W! Lori
Cv,
you’re strong bud, and a great inspiration!! Can’t wait for your book to come out
This is so COOL! What a blessing you are.
C.V.
I am so proud of you and can’t wait to read the book.I know it will be good!!!!!
CV….you are a true testimony to show we serve an Awesome God. You are an amazing inspiration to show that you value the life that was given you, and apply with it the beautiful gifts that were given you. You sing with the most angelic voice and I look forward to hearing you play your guitar. The words “I can’t and never” will not be found in your vocabulary. But, I will and I can are which for those who know you know why you are who you are!!!! And that is a very amazing man!!! I look forward to reading your autobiography. We all will have something to gain from it.
Deb St. Onge
way to go dude!! Love ya!
I’ve known you since you were born and aware of all you have been through. I’m very excited to read your book when it gets published.
Wow! How exciting. Can’t wait to read your book.
CV, You are an inspirationto all of us. My family and I are so proud of you!
Morning C.V.!
I look forward to reading your book.
I pray that everyone with SMA looks to you, sees what you have accomplished, and gains the faith, love, and compassion to continue on.
How exciting is this!!! Can not wait to read your book when it is published. You are an inspiration. Thank you for being you!
Pastor Mark Kimpland