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If You Knew Suzy by Jane Fischer & Carol Ann Ross

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If You Knew Suzy

Pushing Past the Boundaries of Never

by Jane Fischer & Carol Ann Ross

Length 6 hours 6 minutes

Language English

Narrators Megan Persichetti & Jane Fischer

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Summary
About the authors

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Born with severe brain defects, Suzy was sentenced to a life of “nevers.” With the unwavering support of her mother, Jane, and extended family, Suzy’s miraculous journey has given many experts reason to question the medical textbooks that have been written. From predictions that she would never walk, talk, or function in society, Suzy overcame all these obstacles with determination and perseverance—not even allowing final-stage renal failure at the age of twenty-four to deter her. This book is not just a tribute to Suzy, but a roadmap for all parents experiencing the challenges of raising a child with disabilities and/or medical issues.

Never a victim, Suzy proceeded through infant stimulation, studies in public and specialized schools, and summer programs geared to the disabled community. Her achievements include winning medals during the Tournament of Champions, performing in a dance recital, celebrating a Bat Mitzvah, living independently, and holding a position as a classroom assistant for the past twenty-three years. Her joy of life to this day, offers us hope while showing us that giving up is not a choice.

While her IQ score identifies Suzy with severe intellectual disabilities, she never ceases to show kindness, empathy, selflessness, and compassion for others. Told with the hope that other parents will learn from her successes, and failures, this is also a story of the power of perseverance, courage, and love.

Self-Improvement Health Family & Relationships Nonfiction Perspectives on Disability

Jane Fischer, MA, Learning Consultant Jane became a Special Education Professional, Teacher of the Handicapped, and Learning Consultant after giving birth to a child with severe neurological deficiencies. Jane has served as an advocate for thousands of other special needs children and their families. An exhaustive list includes the Board of Trust¬ees of Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC), a school for children with disabilities. Jane was the Founder and Inaugural President of Livingston, New Jersey’s, special education PTA, Parents and Professional for Exceptional Children (PPEC). With UNOS, the United Network for Organ Sharing, Jane and Suzy helped educate and guide others facing medical challenges in the unfamiliar world of organ and tissue donation. Also, as a leader in the Joubert Syndrome Parent Support Group, Jane and Suzy are essential resources to the researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Carol Ann Ross was raised in South Africa by a literature professor who taught her to read at the age of two. Her career took many trajectories both in Europe and the US and included working as an international fashion model, a GO at Club Med, a travel blogger and speech writer, an advisor to high school students writing college admission essays, and the founder of a catering and event planning company. After moving to Miami from New York City where she raised four children, she became an ordained life minister creating bespoke ceremonies for unique weddings. Now a published author, Carol Ann is looking forward to her next book project.