Book launch party on Saturday for 8-year-old author

CANTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Torrance Johnson Jr. is a published 8-year-old author from Canton who wants to spread a message.

"Don't look at me different, because I'm just like you and nothing's different with me," he said.

At the age of three, he was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. The disease has forced him into a wheelchair and makes it difficult for him to breathe. But that doesn't stop him from dreaming.

His future aspirations? "To be president of the United States and to be a New York number one book publisher," he said.

He has been the Michigan Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and even got to meet First Lady Michelle Obama through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"It was fun. She's tall, nice, funny," he said.

Johnson's mom, Katrina, co-wrote her son's book, "Torrance Hates SMA."

"He said, ‘Mommy, please. I need to express myself. ‘ He said, ‘I'll just tell you and you write it down." And I said OK," Katrina Johnson said.

The funds from the book sales will help the family build a barrier-free house with ramps, which will help make life a little easier.

Johnson's book is available in bookstores and online.

Book launch party

Saturday, July 26, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.

Detroit World Outreach Church (Rm 202)

23800 W. Chicago Rd, Redford, Michigan 48238 (at Telegraph Rd.)