Clearfield author receives grant for asthma awareness
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A Clearfield County children's author received a $2,000 Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Grant this June to promote asthma awareness and health education across Pennsylvania.
After Free Spirit Books published "My Life As An Asthmanaut" in April, author Jake Lockett wanted to take his platform one step further.
"These funds will give me a strong marketing budget to advertise my asthma picture book and business to potential customers and also cover travel expenses so I can take my product and asthma education services to more venues within the Commonwealth," he said.
Inspired by his own asthma diagnosis, "My Life As An Asthmanaut" features a young boy who feels as if he's floating in space while experiencing an attack. Finding solid ground through his coping skills, he helps others, too.
Lockett said he read that another traditionally published author from Pennsylvania won the award, which compelled him to apply in February 2026. The award inspired him to think bigger about his book launch, making asthma education accessible to the community.
"I knew that with the help of grant funding, my book could become the foundation of a larger vision with health and disability education at its heart," he said.
Aleshia Marshall, Penn West Clarion Small Business Development Center consultant, helped Lockett turn his dream into a reality by assisting with the application process, strengthening his business plan presentation and more.
As a result, Lockett was awarded the grant in May and received the funds in June.
"After years of hard work aiming to become a traditionally published author as a legitimate profession, I feel validated that my successes and goals for growth are being recognized by my state," he said.
Since then, Lockett has participated in many author talks across the region, promoting his book at local public schools, public libraries and bookstores.
He's also working on additional stories and furthering his creative endeavors. By creating his own path as a writer and entrepreneur, he hopes to inspire more people to dare to dream as well.
"I hope receiving this grant inspires other writers to explore their potential in expanding their platforms through various avenues to help educate readers while making an honest living," he said.
Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.