What I Wish I Knew Back Then: A Physical Therapist and Mother's Perspective of Raising her Child with Cerebral Palsy - Paperback

by Hope Khalil (Illustrator), Terra Temple (Editor), Dana Kramer (Contribution by)

Parents confronted with their child receiving a diagnosis of developmental delay or disability are often devastated by this unexpected reality. The fear of this unknown, coupled with the historical and cultural stigmas associated with disability, leads to anxiety and isolation. This book is written by parents who share their struggles, practical insights, and strategies to empower and educate other parents on this challenging but not impossible journey. "What I Wish I Knew Back Then" is the brainchild of Raising Kellan, Inc., a nonprofit organization founded by Marsh Naidoo, PTI just want to say thank you, thank you for writing this I could have written it myself. It is full of the highs and lows of this journey we all share and it made me cry. It also gave me hope that some people do understand this journey. I see so many "obedient" and non-"difficult" parents at all of our appointments and, I admit, sometimes I start to wonder if I'm going crazy So THANK YOU - Monique Webber, Parent, AustraliaWhat a wonderful and honest book written for the benefit of both parents and PTs alike I would recommend this book to new grads looking into pediatrics, seasoned PTs and parents who are just starting their journey after their little one is diagnosed with developmental delay. There truly is something in it for everyone. I can't wait to see this book hit the shelves - Coryann Ledford, DPT, USAThis is a MUST READ With this book you can feel Marsh's sincerity in expressing the different emotions she experiences as a mother raising Kellan. You can grasp her optimism that Kellan will be in a better place through her hard work and advocacy for him to reach his full potential. The words she used in writing this book are simple but POWERFUL. Marsh's openness in dealing with the realities of Kellan's special needs - the challenges and disappointments along the way, the countless hours spent with his home program and medical appointments and expanding her support system through church, friends, organizations and family - gives inspiration to other special needs parents: that this challenging journey can be done with grace, faith, strength and perseverance. Even though she is a physical therapist, she knows her primary role is being a MOTHER who loves, supports and raises Kellan to be the best that he can be in life.-Eugene Gonzales, PT, Memphis, USA