My name is Isabella Sementilli and I am 19 years old. In 5th grade, I was the victim of a bully who pulled out my chair as I went to sit down. I suffered a concussion, fractured tailbone and back and neck injuries. I was diagnosed with two rare and debilitating headache disorders- effects from the concussion. Since I could no longer tap dance or play tennis, I learned to knit and bake. I created my own cookie-Iznettes®.

When I wasn’t baking, I started to write about what happened to me. I would also doodle pictures to go along with what I wrote. I put it all together-creating my book-The Short Story of One Tough Cookie : A True Story.

I want to share my story so what happened to me, doesn’t happen to anyone else. I also started a Never Crumble!® line-t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, healing bracelets, and a Izzy Never Crumble!® doll!! I donate from the sales of my merchandise to anti-bullying and brain injury awareness organizations locally and nationally.

I have received numerous awards including- the Ruth Bader Ginsberg Agent of Change Award from NYSMCJ, the Neil & Jane Golub Making a Difference Award from the Anti-Defamation League, the Literary Champion Award. I was also featured in Cricket Media, Highlights Magazine -“Kids Changing the World: Cookies for a Cause.”

I live in Niskayuna with my mom Pola, dad Guy, and my chocolate lab Luca.

3 Fun Facts

1. I am a bartender at my dad’s Italian restaurant
2. I have two USA Registered Trademarks
3. I collect rosary beads