Coral Springs Author Kerry O’Malley Cerra Shines a Light on NASA’s ‘Hidden Figures’ in New Book

by Faran Fagen August 19, 2026

by Faran Fagen August 19, 2026 3 minutes read

17Shares

Kerry O’Malley Cerra {courtesy}

Coral Springs author Kerry O’Malley Cerra will speak at a local book launch during a special celebration of her newest book, The Gallaudet Eleven: The Story of NASA’s Deaf Bioastronauts—a true story about 11 Deaf men whose groundbreaking experiences helped NASA prepare for the future of space exploration.

Cerra will share the fascinating story behind the book, talk about the real people who inspired it, and give a behind-the-scenes look at bringing their remarkable history to young readers this Saturday, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m. at the Northwest Regional Library in Coral Springs.

“These hidden figures played an important role in NASA’s research, and it was their shared disability that made them so vital to the plan,” Cerra said. “Their vestibular systems, a part of the inner ear, did not work, meaning they did not get motion sick. The Gallaudet Eleven were the perfect volunteers for NASA’s spinning, whirling tests to learn the effects of space travel on the human body.”

ASL interpreters will be present at the event, making this a wonderful opportunity for the whole community to experience this inspiring story together.

There will be time for questions, conversation, and book signing. Already have a copy? Bring it along and Kerry will be happy to sign it. You can also purchase one at the event.

“My wife Kerry is an absolute rock star in all aspects of her life,” said Shawn Cerra, Coral Springs City Commissioner. “I’m incredibly proud and grateful that she chose me to do life with. Please join us this Saturday starting at 11 a.m. She’s worked so hard on this book and for these men. It’s important for the world to know how they made history for our country. I hope to see you this weekend.”

As a deaf person, Cerra spent many years aware of her own limitations and being told she couldn’t do certain things. Growing up with Cape Canaveral practically in her backyard, she was enamored with all things space and desperately wanted to be an astronaut. But her hearing loss prevented it.

“Exploring the unknown—like outer space—requires strength, endurance, and adaptability: traits most disabled people possess since we navigate a world not built for us every day,” Cerra said. “Still . . . I eventually let the dream slip away. Many years later, I learned about The Gallaudet Eleven, whose hearing loss enabled them to serve NASA in ways no one else could. I imagined how much their story would have meant to me as a young person and knew it needed to be shared far and wide.”

At the NW Regional Library this Saturday, you can discover the incredible true story of the Gallaudet Eleven—and meet the local author who brought their story to life.

Send Your News to Coral Springs’s #1 Award-Winning News Site Here. Don’t Miss Parkland Talk, Tamarac Talk, Coconut Creek Talk, Margate Talk, and Sunrise FL Talk.

Author Profile

Faran Fagen

Faran Fagen, who teaches high school journalism, graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Journalism degree and from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in Education. He's worked at The Palm Beach Post, SunSentinel, and MLB.com. He lives in Coral Springs with his wife and two children. Oh, and his three dogs -- who all think that they're his favorite.