Publisher's Synopsis
A mother's nightmare! On February 6, 2010, Anthony Purcell went for a dive at Miami Beach and suffered a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Follow this mother's inspiring journey that speaks of family, life, charity, and faith and see spinal cord injury victims in a whole new light.
Shocked by medical insurance's failure to help spinal cord injury victims' recovery costs, Micki began the non-profit Walking With Anthony to assist those without the support systems that Micki and her family were able to provide for Anthony.
Through this difficult struggle fighting for not only her son's body, but also his spirit, Micki has become the lifeblood and inspiration of a movement that brings awareness and funding to the plight suffered by hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. alone.
PRAISE
As you read their story you will see Anthony's and Micki's passion and compassion to fight for better health care and rights for people with disabilities, and in particular for those who have suffered spinal cord injuries. It's a long battle but if anyone can get it accomplished we'd bet on Micki.
-Karen West, Walking With Anthony Board Member
-Jerry West, Legendary NBA Hall of Famer and Executive
A true story of triumph over tragedy. At this time in history, it's one thing to rise to occasion for her family but another to recognize the needs of others. Micki is a prime example of acting in the best interest of community over self. A beautiful and inspiring story.
-Janne Kouri, President and Founder
Next Step Fitness
Micki is a force of nature. When the unthinkable happened to her son Anthony she did what mothers do, she fought for him. Then she turned her energy, focus and resources to support a community that needed an advocate! You can hear Micki's voice, passion and love in this book; a love letter to Anthony and the families that support their person whose life has been impacted by a spinal cord injury.
-Jane Rodgers, Former Executive Director
The Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation
Paralysis is an affliction that displaces the life of its victim and decimates the family that surrounds them. Micki Purcell has lived through the atrocities faced by a parent when their child's life is changed forever. A seemly hopeless circumstance that she met head on with an unwillingness to submit to its consequences. In doing so she has not only impacted the life of her child but the lives of many who face the atrocities of the system that leaves them helpless. Through this book, she illustrates there is always a light in the world if we are willing to see it.
-Mike Barwis, CEO of Barwis Corporations
Director of Sports Science Detroit Red Wings
Senior Advisor Sports Science New York Mets
