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Super Shea and Marvelous Mercer

This morning, Meredith interviewed a very inspirational young woman, 12-year-old Shea Megale. She suffers from a disease called spinal muscular atrophy 2, which causes her muscles to weaken over time. But she hasn't let the disease slow her down, and she has written a children's book called Marvelous Mercer about her adventures with her companion dog, Mercer. WATCH VIDEOThe story behind the public

This morning, Meredith interviewed a very inspirational young woman, 12-year-old Shea Megale. She suffers from a disease called spinal muscular atrophy 2, which causes her muscles to weaken over time.

But she hasn't let the disease slow her down, and she has written a children's book called Marvelous Mercer about her adventures with her companion dog, Mercer. WATCH VIDEO

The story behind the publication of the book is remarkable. One day, Shea's mother, Megan, accidentally discovered a series of stories Shea had written in a diary. Megan recognized Shea's storytelling talent and decided to self-publish the book as a way to bring attention and raise money to fight SMA.

Megan and Shea took the book to the toy fair and pitched the story to an FAO Schwarz representative, and the toymaker embraced the idea. Now, FAO Schwarz is offering an exclusive first edition of the book as well as a plush toy of Mercer.

Profits from the book will go towards research to find a cure for SMA and will support Canine Companions, the non-profit organization that provided Mercer.

In addition to appearing on TODAY, Shea will also be reading from her book and signing copies at FAO Schwarz here in New York on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 1 p.m.

Shea told me that the trip has already been a success because she got to meet Ed Helms from "The Office," which is one of her favorite shows.

For more information on Shea and her book, please visit the Marvelous Mercer site, and you can also visit Canine Companions for more on assistance dogs.