Book for Cure now ready (please move this if it should be in a diff. forum)

[angel7]

My husband and I have decided to publish my book ourselves. I'm tired of waiting for an answer. In order to figure out how many we need for the first run - I'd like to know how many of you will be interested in buying a copy? For our new members and all of you that contributed here is why I wrote the book -

I have written a book about my journey dealing with living with a SCI re-named “The Silent Minority-No More.” As you also know this book was written to educate the AB community on what a SCI really means and the fact that a cure can and will be found with their help. It explains in detail what the different current cure options are really about and how they can help.

As many of you also know you are in the book along with a wonderful endorsement written by Dr. Young that will be included in the book jacket. Portions of the proceeds from this book will also go to current viable clinical trials. There is not enough room here to thank all of you (by name) who have contributed to this book but you know who you are because you are in the book. I must however give special thanks to the following people:

Dr. Wise Young – thank you for giving my book credibility with the wonderful
words you wrote.

Faye – Thank you for teaching for me the true meaning of perseverance and advocacy.

Mary – Thank you for being you.

Rusty – Thank you for introducing me to your editor.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the “SCI Myths” and “A Stranger Gave me a Dollar” and for giving me your permission to include your comments.

The book can be purchased by sending me an email letting me know you are interested in a copy. Also, please let your friends and family know and request they inform their friends and family. This book won’t do us any good unless it is read.

Thanks,

Deb
debbieloupate@msn.com

[JimmyMack]

Deb,

Is there anyway we can download a snippet or two, kinda wet the appetite?

JimmyMack

[Schmeky]

Deb,

Check your e-mail. I want mine "signed", OK?

[Leo]

Congrats Deb,

A signed one for me also.

[roshni]

Congratulations on your book, Deb. Is there a corresponding website?

[dan_nc]

Deb--me too, me too! congrats! pls let me know how I can get a signed copy.

[Leif]

You must tell us when the book is ready. I’d like a copy very much. Thanks.

[Chicago]

bump ...

[Cherry]

:applaud: Count me in Deb.......i'll buy 2

[Le Type Français]

God bless you. Look forward to it.

[john smith]

Hi Debbie;

Congratulations on your decision to self-publish. You should contact http://raggededgemagazine.com/ to see if they will advertise your book. Or send a copy to them or other disability sites for a review.

John

[angel7]

Well guys when I posted this on the Cure forum I requested notification by email - well after it was moved the instant notification didn't move with it so I didn't see these responses. I will anwer them all today.

Sorry about that,

Deb

[angel7]

JimmyMack,

I will print a portion of the book.

Deb

[angel7]

ROSHNI,

The book is listed on our cureparalysisnow.org. I will post a summary for you.

Deb

[angel7]

Also, all Care/Cure copies will be signed.

Deb

[angel7]

I have written all the orders down - thanks everyone for supporting this book.

Deb

[angel7]

Thanks John,

Will do.

Deb

[angel7]

People have been asking for chapters from my biography. I thought the best way to let everyone know what the book was about was to post the chapter outlines. This will give you a brief idea of the book's contents. If anyone wants additional info please let me know.

Deb


My name is Debbie Kelsoe and I have been a quadriplegic since 2000. After becoming injured I realized that most able-bodied (AB) people do not understand the true meaning of being paralyzed. I also noticed that our own government was ignoring us as a group. I took it upon myself to write my biography entitled, The Silent Minority – no More.”

The book begins with my struggle with a spinal cord injury (SCI) and whether to write this book. My subsequent decision to write based on the SCI people I met on a website dedicated to people living with paralysis. I explain why I wanted people to know my family and me and what I wanted the able bodied (AB) community to get from this book.

After the introduction I have included a brief “hook” so that the reader becomes interested: “It was a Thursday, October 19, 2000 at 11:00 p.m. I rested my head on boyfriend's lap as we drove back to my car. I felt his finger put my hair behind my ear. I felt a bump in the road. My head snapped back, I felt a sharp pain, saw stars and blacked out. When I became conscious, I heard Wayne screaming, “Talk to me Debbie! God, are you all right?” I heard the ambulance approach. I replied to Wayne “Get me out of the truck, I can’t move...”

Chapter one contains a brief description of the type of child I was. The events I went through as a child and teenager that shaped my character, some of the early tragedies that made me strong and some that made me wonder about the existence of God. I also explore the lighter side of my personality, the goofy things I did that rounded out my personality. This chapter explains my hatred of bigotry, my problems with empathy and my strong independence. I also examine some of the personality traits I inherited from my Mom and Dad, some good and some not so good, and discuss my first and second husbands and my first two affairs.

Chapter two details my break-up with Wayne, the love of my life, and chronicles my career, my relationship with my Mom (my best friend) and our hilarious trips together. There is a look at the disintegration of my marriage, and the challenges of living with a son with ADHD. I mention my struggle with alcoholism and how I beat it. There is also my extended family-- my nonexistent relationship with my biological father and my growing acceptance of my stepfather.

This chapter also details the first suicide in our family and why I turned away from God, my son’s brushes with the law, and my husband’s opting out of everything, until I filed for a separation and started thinking about suicide. Then my first true love came back into my life. Those six months with Wayne gave me hope. I had just turned 40, looked great and was having a ball. We were going to do it right this time. Then came October 2000.

Chapter three goes into detail about the vehicle accident that broke my neck, and my loved ones’ reactions. I take the reader through the nightmare of the trauma hospital and the rehab facility, and explain some of the neurological aspects of paralysis in layman’s terms, including how they relate to my level of injury. This chapter also explores what my family would have to learn to take care of me once I was released.

Chapter four describes leaving rehabilitation and going home. If this were a Lifetime movie, everything would be fine once I got home. In reality, there was turmoil, as my house and my Mom’s were next door to each other and my ex-husband had not moved out yet, so I moved in with Mom, and Wayne took over my care every night. This chapter deals with the dynamics of my Mom taking care of me and the change in our relationship.

I also explain my finances in this chapter, dispelling the myth that SCI survivors get huge settlements from insurance companies and live in luxury. I detail the struggle to relearn normal everyday functions without making my family uncomfortable. I talk about the necessity of physical therapy, and describe a major medical blunder which caused yet another setback in my healing process.

This chapter is also about my relationship with Wayne and how it affected our children, about writing and publishing my first newspaper article, meeting a wonderful paraplegic friend, hiring a full-time caregiver, and finally moving back into my home.

Chapter five goes into detail of my new life. Having an SCI doesn’t magically fix the other problems in one’s life or change the personalities of loved ones. This chapter deals with the inevitable conflicts of combining a “blended” family—Wayne’s and mine, including his baby grandson—and having a caregiver with me most of the time. I deal with the concept of loss, not only for me but also for Wayne and my son. I also recount making amends with my biological father just before his death.

There is the depression that follows a traumatic injury, numerous re-hospitalizations, the struggle to keep a regular caregiver, but there is wry humor as well. When the choice is between laughing and crying, sometimes you just have to laugh.

Here is where I discover the Care/Cure forum online and begin my connection with Dr. Wise Young, one of the preeminent neuroscientists working on spinal cord injury. The Care/Cure forum changed my life. I believe the discussions I have included from the forum will be invaluable to SCI people and their loved ones.

Chapter six details the things about my past life that I truly miss, including my childlike faith in God. I also start my discussion of embryonic stem cells (ESC) and politics in this chapter.

In Chapter seven I update the reader on where each family member is now in his or her emotional and physical being.

Chapter eight is titled, “MAKE NO MISTAKE; WE ARE DYING.” I wanted people to know that although we don’t have a deadly disease, SCI people are at great risk of dying. We lose 10% of our number every year to suicide. Chris Reeve died from a reaction to an antibiotic while fighting a bedsore. Due to blood clots, I take Coumadin every day, which is nothing more than rat poison. SCI can and does kill.

In chapter nine I list the things I still enjoy. This chapter deals with the things that make life bearable in a wheelchair. I'm sure it will differ from person to person, but these are some of the things that have kept me alive.

Chapter ten deals with the Care/Cure forum on the web. If I had not found this forum early on in my injury, I’m not sure I would have made it as far as I have. This website taught me how to survive. I have included some of the individual stories of others with a SCI.

Chapter eleven contains a serious debate that rages in the spinal cord injured community. I debate a gentleman who wrote an article entitled, “Proud of our Disabilities.” This section also includes a debate among Care/Cure members on where federal dollars should go – Care versus Cure.

Chapter twelve describes various myths held by the AB community. There are so many myths surrounding paralysis that I thought I would dedicate a chapter to debunking these myths. Again, I let the Care/Cure community add their favorites.

Chapter thirteen describes, “the cure.” For many, many, years most physicians did not believe there would ever be a cure for SCI. This chapter proves them wrong.

Chapter fourteen describes how we, the SCI community are, “cutting off our noses to spite our faces.” A lot of people had misconceptions about why I first started writing this book. Some were under the mistaken impression that I was looking for pity for the SCI community. Nothing could have been further from the truth. The Care/Cure forum has approximately 10,000 members, and we are all different in our mindsets regarding living with a SCI. With permission, I have posted the most interesting debates. This section provides insight into why this book needed to be written, and how it differs from the “inspirational” books out there.

Chapter fifteen is dedicated to a very promising therapy to cure SCI. This chapter contains the truth about embryonic stem cells (ESC). It includes my opinion on President Bush’s legacy to the disabled, ill and dying. The details on ESC are taken from articles written by very notable people. It explains the misconceptions on the part of the Bush administration and some of the general population. I include “The Brownback Bill,” and the false statements made in this bill to try and outlaw all ESC research. Again, I have added a few comments from the Care/Cure community.

Chapter sixteen was added for all suffering from SCI and the hospitals that take care of them. There is such a lack of understanding of the issues and problems we face that I felt it needed to be included.

Chapter seventeen explains the steps to becoming an advocate for a cure. It lists talking points to counter the misinformation regarding stem cell research. It also includes clarification by Dr. Wise Young.

I conclude the book with some last-minute thoughts about my biography that I felt needed to be written. There is also an addendum of other promising therapies reported by Dr. Wise Young chair of the W. M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience. Dr. Young has also graciously agreed to write an endorsement of my book in the book jacket.

[IMHopeful]

What an accomplishment! :applaud: I'm looking forward to reading it and most importantly sharing your story with others. This will be a wonderful contribution to helping AB individuals understand the personal and political implications of spinal cord injuries. I sincerely appreciate your effort.

[angel7]

IMhopeful,

Thank you for your comments you captured exactly why I wrote the book. Wonderful summation.

Thank you for "getting it" and your nice comments to me - it meant a lot.

Deb

[Quad62]

Angel7, cogratulations on your book. I am not sure if you have already looked into Lulu for publishing. If not, you can check them out at http://www.lulu.com.

From http://www.lulu.com/about/whatislulu.php
1. Lulu is FREE, FAST and EASYNo set-up fees. No minimum order. No delay. No catch. Lulu prints and ships each book as it's bought. The buyer pays the cost — not you. Lulu only makes money if you do.
2. You're in controlYou retain all rights to your work. You decide on design and layout. You set the price and royalties. Lulu's not the publisher — you are.
3. Sell to the worldLulu lets you sell your work through Amazon, Borders, Barnes and Noble — and on Lulu itself. Lulu handles all transactions, order tracking and shipping.

[angel7]

Thanks Quad62 - I'll check this out.

Deb

[angel7]

Just wanted to let everyone know I posted a new thread on the Book site that lists a Chapter by Chapter of my book.

Deb

[1 Fine Spine RN]

Ha ha I have had it in my computer for a year....I want one signed though, with a jacket, and a tie..ok no tie.

Proud of you Deb...love Mary

[1 Fine Spine RN]

I hope you left in the part where you kicked out the trash and took your hard earned home back...I liked that part...oh yeah..someone poked her in the butt about that...I wonder who did that?

[angel7]

I can't wait until you get to read the edited copy. Much, much, better.

Love you,

Deb

[angel7]

And a certain nurse I know gets mentioned many times for kicking my butt and making hard decisions.

Deb

[1 Fine Spine RN]

Maybe now its time you kicked mine..ha ha ha watch your email

[Cherry]

Deb,

It sounds really fab, can't wait to read it - if only more people could make such a bold move

Thanks, you're an inspiration :)

[LauraD]

That is awesome!! I am definitely interested in getting a copy. Great summary on the other thread too!!

Mom to Michael, 16 & Heather, 14, T-12, 6 years post.

[angel7]

Thanks LauraD - I've marked you down.

Deb

[angel7]

Thanks Cherrylips. Mary - I'll watch for my email.

Deb

[roshni]

It took a lot of courage to put this book together. Congratulations!

[WM]

Hi Deb! I've been anticipating this book for a long time and I'm so WOWED that it's going to be available soon!:applaud: Way to go, I read your summary and it sounds like an AWESOME book! Posting this here cause I want to be included in the "signed book CareCure" group, but will send you an email later! Thanks!

[angel7]

WM,

Thanks WM will definitely sign it for you - a little messy though. I also didn't think (even though people told me) that it would take this long to get it out. When you aren't an established writer it takes forever just to acquire a agent. The first one scammed me and now I'm being pursued by an accredited agent but will probably still just go a head and self publish. Let's hope the book does what it was intended to do.

Deb

[angel7]

Thanks Roshni - couldn't have done it without Care/Cure or Dr. Young.

Deb

[WM]

WM,

Thanks WM will definitely sign it for you - a little messy though. I also didn't think (even though people told me) that it would take this long to get it out. When you aren't an established writer it takes forever just to acquire a agent. The first one scammed me and now I'm being pursued by an accredited agent but will probably still just go a head and self publish. Let's hope the book does what it was intended to do.

Deb

I don't care if it's messy! I'll be so proud of it!:) Sorry about the scammer!:( I'm sure your book is going to make a huge difference in many ways for many people! I'm sending you my email address so I can be added to your list! Thanks!!

[angel7]

Your already on the list but do send your email.

Love you,

Deb

[darkeyed_daisy]

Hi Deb
I would also like to get a copy of your book. I sent you an email just now.
Thanks
tonja

[angel7]

Thanks Tonya you are definitely on the list.

Deb

[Chris Chappell]

Great effort and good luck with your book Deb. Hope you sell a million copies.

[angel7]

Thanks Chris.

Deb

[teesieme]

I just read through your summary of chapters thread, I would like to purchase a copy as well Angel, I will email you. Can't find the words except to say thank you for taking the time you would had to have invested as well the bittersweet honesty of life prior and since your injury in all aspects from what I've read so far on behalf of persons with SCI, etc. I am in awe of this accomplishment~ WOW!

[angel7]

TEESIEME,

Thank you for your kind words. I will sign it also. Just bear with us. My husband and I are literally going to publish this ourselves. I let you all know when it is ready to buy.

Deb

[angel7]

Hi Everyone,

Just an update. I am reformating my book for publication and adding 2006. I had a 10 day hospital stay that set me back a little but am back on a roll again. Please bear with me.

Deb

[knmotta]

My husband and I have decided to publish my book ourselves. I'm tired of waiting for an answer. In order to figure out how many we need for the first run - I'd like to know how many of you will be interested in buying a copy? For our new members and all of you that contributed here is why I wrote the book -

I have written a book about my journey dealing with living with a SCI re-named “The Silent Minority-No More.” As you also know this book was written to educate the AB community on what a SCI really means and the fact that a cure can and will be found with their help. It explains in detail what the different current cure options are really about and how they can help.

As many of you also know you are in the book along with a wonderful endorsement written by Dr. Young that will be included in the book jacket. Portions of the proceeds from this book will also go to current viable clinical trials. There is not enough room here to thank all of you (by name) who have contributed to this book but you know who you are because you are in the book. I must however give special thanks to the following people:

Dr. Wise Young – thank you for giving my book credibility with the wonderful
words you wrote.

Faye – Thank you for teaching for me the true meaning of perseverance and advocacy.

Mary – Thank you for being you.

Rusty – Thank you for introducing me to your editor.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the “SCI Myths” and “A Stranger Gave me a Dollar” and for giving me your permission to include your comments.

The book can be purchased by sending me an email letting me know you are interested in a copy. Also, please let your friends and family know and request they inform their friends and family. This book won’t do us any good unless it is read.

Thanks,

Deb
debbieloupate@msn.com
================================================== ======
Congrates.
I will buy one copy.
Thanks.
K.N.Motta.
================================================== ======

[knmotta]

Angel7,
Congrates.
I will buy one copy of your book under reference.
Thanks.
K.N.Motta.
================================================== ========

[angel7]

Thanks K.N.motta - will be ready to purchase by end of September.

Deb

[angel7]

I am unfortunately going into the hospital as one of my bed sores is to the point where they are going to have to cut it out of the bone. I don't know how long I will be there but the book and paperwork may be pushed back a little.

Sincerely,

Debbie Kelsoe