Eagle Doctor: Stories of Stephen, My Child With Special Needs [Paperback]

Chrissy L. Nelson (Author), Patch Adams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 20, 1999

Parents, doctors, nurses, lobbyists, politicians, students, advocates, and clergy need to experience the EAGLE DOCTOR. It is a book of stories about living in our controversial world through the eyes of a Native American special-needs child. Stephen's stories tell of a young boy's irrepressible life force and the love he shares with those who have come to know him. EAGLE DOCTOR is a warmly personal portrayal of a child's life-long struggles with multiple medical disabilities, and his spirit that sustains him and enriches us all. This book is filled with tributes to and lessons for families, friends and caregivers of children everywhere and insightful reading about those with special needs.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

It's worth taking note of this small-press offering, which presents an upbeat account of what might otherwise be a tragic tale of a seriously ill child with multiple disabilities (including cerebral palsy and epilepsy) and his nurse-turned-adoptive mother. Nelson is the remarkable mother of Stephen, a courageous 13-year-old who wasn't supposed to live past age two. Her tale is a uniquely interesting mix of story, medical history, poetry, spiritualism, and cultural exploration, with a prolog by Dr. Patch Adams. Stephen has received the attentions of many celebrities, so this title may be frequently requested. A good read worth the consideration of most public libraries.
-KellyJo Houtz Griffin, Auburn, WA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

EAGLE DOCTOR is a wonderful book. Chrissy L. Nelson has written of her son with love, compassion and hope. Her son is blessed to have such a wonderful, caring mother, and we are blessed to share Stephen's rich life through this work. We are all better people--and our world a better place--because of the love of this mother and child. The book is their gift of that love and should be shared. -- United States Senator Paul Wellstone

Sometimes there are beings of light who come to Earth. They are little understood by most people, but quietly they do their work. Day by day, they fulfill their mission. Oftentimes we do not recognize who they were until they leave our presence . . . leaving their present . . . their legacy. EAGLE DOCTOR is a testament to the true power of love. It will touch you deeply in your heart of hearts, and brighten your path. -- Dr. D. Richard Bellamy, author, 12 Secrets for Manifesting Your Vision, Inspiration and Purpose

Thank you for the beautiful EAGLE DOCTOR. We appreciate your creative advocacy for a just society. We love you. Lead on. -- Justin Dart, father of Americans with Disabilities Act, and Yoshiko Dart

The spirit of these happenings comes shining through like a beacon! -- Dr. James McCord, Pediatrics, Saint Paul Children's Hospital

These stories of Stephen are powerful, touching and inspiring. The book is a must read for anyone with a caring soul and will cause you to give thanks for people like Chris and Stephen. -- Dr. Tom Hill, co-author, Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneurial Soul, and author, Living at the Summit

What a wonderful story of miracles: miracles of faith, hope and love between Chrissy and Steven; but also miracles of many people working together to accomplish much more than any single individual ever could. This story can give you the courage to have faith, hope and love; and the determination to ask for the help you need to work a miracle in your own life. -- Judith E. Reninger, MS, LNC, counselor on marriage and family relationships, and nutrition

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Pangaea Pub; 1 edition (November 20, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1929165056
• ISBN-13: 978-1929165056
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,614,624 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Eagle Doctor" A truly inspirational work of art., March 1, 2000

By 

Sui-Ching H. Poy-Kujawski (Chicago, Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eagle Doctor: Stories of Stephen, My Child with Special Needs (Hardcover)

"Eagle Doctor" is a truly wonderful book. I instantly felt the extraordinary love and compassion that the author has for her son. This book pulled at my heartstrings from the very first page, like no other book has been able to accomplish. I was unable to tear myself away from Stephen's incredible stories; making me feel like I was almost a part of his life. A superb book for all ages to enjoy, full of inspiration & the joys of the Miracle of Life.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book....very touching!, February 14, 2009

By 

The Huntress "The Huntress" (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Eagle Doctor: Stories of Stephen, My Child with Special Needs (Hardcover)

Haven't read it all, but love what I have so far. I worked with Chrissy doing home care & never knew she had published these books until I was leaving the agency we worked for. Had to buy them! I now have a totally different outlook about what she's been through. It takes a very special person to do what she has, and my hat's off to you Chrissy! TM

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars God Had A Purpose For Both Of Them., September 5, 2005

By 

Betty Burks "Betty Burks" (Knoxville, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eagle Doctor: Stories of Stephen, My Child With Special Needs (Paperback)

On the very day in August, 1986, the author gets bit by a water moccasin in Mississippi while on a canoe trip, Stephen Rondell was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with multiple disabilites. As a nurse, she found him two years later and spent the next eleven years willing him to live.

The emergency room doctor had told her that fateful day that "God must want you for something." Indeed, He did. She helped this disabled young child to grow and develop into a human being. He had celebral palsy and epilipsy, along with other life-threatening illnesses. There is a person here named David who could have been her Steve.

She adopted him and helped him learn how to cope and get around in this hectic world of ours. She had an endorsement for this informative and needed book by Patch Adams whose work with all kinds of disability, from physical to mental, as a work of art. I found a person four years ago dressed as a clown complete with Patch's trademark big red nose who told me that he actually works with Dr. Adams in his travels and work with children. I wa upset by a scene in the movie, but he told me that was pure Hollywood added to get movie goers, not the truth.

This is a story of miracles of faith, hope and love. It shows how a group of dedicated professionals work together to accomplish much more than any single individual ever could. Chrissy has been a nurse for twenty-five years and is now an expert advocate for human rights. Stephen's story will inform parents of disabled children and encourage all who go through this kind of stress that it is all worth the effort and strife.

It is the story of a child's lifelong struggle with serious disabilities; his sweet spirit enrishes all who reads this revealing account in the life of Steve and Crissy. It can be used as a primer for caregivers of children everywhere.