La Cañada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild (LCFOG) announced that authors Joyce Gittlin and Janel B. Fattal will present their debut novel “A Narrow Bridge” at the Guild’s Book and Author Luncheon on Oct. 24 at La Cañada Flintridge Country Club, 5500 Godbey Drive in La Cañada. Gittlin and Fattal write under the pen name J.J. Gesher and their book is a story best described as a journey of courage. It is a novel of finding courage after tragedy and of the restorative power of human connection.

This year, LCFOG celebrates 60 years of service to Orthopaedic Institute for Children (OIC), formerly known as Orthopaedic Hospital. LCFOG was founded in 1957 as an auxiliary of Charitable Children’s Guild (CCG). OIC’s mission is to provide care for children with musculoskeletal disorders. It is committed to advancing care worldwide for all orthopaedic conditions through medical education and scientific research. Since OIC’s inception, no child has ever been denied treatment because of financial status, lack of insurance or being underinsured. It is for this reason that LCFOG continues to raise money for OIC and to donate all profits from its fundraisers, like the Book and Author Luncheon.   

When authors Gittlin and Fattal were contacted and asked to present their book, their answer was a resounding, “Yes! Anything to help children and their families.”

The writing duo have completed three feature screenplays and won several prestigious awards, including the Geller Prize and the Screenwriting Award at the 16th Annual Austin Film Festival. Their first collaboration was a Lifetime Television feature move, “A Twist of Faith” starring Toni Braxton. Guests at the LCFOG luncheon will be treated to a presentation of their first novel, “A Narrow Bridge.”

Gittlin graduated with a Master of Fine Arts degree from NYU Tisch School of Arts. For 25 years, her career was writing and directing television. She has numerous credits to her name, such as “Wings,” “Frasier” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.”  She has also written over 10 feature films for Disney. In addition, she is married and the mother of two adult children.

Writing partner Fattal received a master’s degree in comparative literature from UCLA, and has taught English, American and world literatures and writing at the college level. She has edited several memoirs and written curriculum for high school and college students. She shares her passion for literature and stories by running numerous book groups, including several at Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.  Fattal is married and the mother of three adult children.

Those who are interested in hearing Gittlin and Fattal speak while helping OIC to continue to treat children with orthopaedic disorders, contact Marianne Jennings, registration chair, at (818) 398-7323 and request an invitation to the luncheon. This is an invitation-only event.

Those who are unable to attend and would like to further the cause of OIC, donations may be sent to LCFOG, P.O. Box 777, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91012-0777.

Written and submitted by Arlene Massimino
Photos courtesy of authors.