Faces of Huntington's [Paperback]

Carmen Leal-Pock (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1998

Faces of Huntington's is an incredible collection of stories, essays, poems, and quotes of those who are in some way connected to Huntington's Disease.

The book focuses on over sixty people who have HD, are at risk, caregivers, other family members, adn friends. It is a beacon of light in what is often a dark world.

30,000 Americans have this terminal neurological disorder. An additional 150,000 are at-risk. Somehow, despite the horror of Huntington's Disease, there is loving support, a positive attitude, and unending hope. There are stories that make you rejoice at the unswerving faith and those that make you cry at the senseless loss.

Faces of Huntington's gives readers a glance at the faces of heroes. It is guaranteed to bring tears of joy, hope, love and compassion to your eyes.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Faces of Huntington's is a unique and evocative collection of writings, which illuminates the many facets of Huntington's Disease (HD). At once tragic, uplifting,frightening, and inspiring, Faces of Huntington's, is a wonderful book which deserves a wide audience." -- Rod Morrison, Executive Director, Huntington Society of Canada

"In these pages, Carmen has captured the indomitable human spirit. Faces of Huntington's is a must read whether you are in a family affected by HD, a medical professional, or simply, someone who cares." -- Jim Pollard, Executive Director, Mediplex Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center of Lowell

"In this remarkable book, Carmen Leal-Pock has put together the pieces of the true story of Huntington's Disease - the story as told by people with HD, their children, and their spouses and caregivers. Perhaps because of this book, others with or at-risk for HD will be brave enough to speak, doctors will be more sensitive to the broad effects of HD on patients and their families, and we will all remember that while there are no "right" or "absolute" answers to the problems posed by HD, by sharing in the search we can become stronger, wiser, and more humane people." -- Martha A. Nance, MD; Director, HD Clinic, Hennepin County Medical Center; Chairman, United States HD Genetic Testing Group

From the Publisher

Faces of Huntington's is a book written not only for those who are in some way invloved with Huntington's, but for anyone who is or will face a terminal illness. The emotions and experiences are often the same, regardless of the disease. It's uplifting and inspiring passages, mixed with poignant and heartfelt honesty, makes this book a must read for everyone.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Living Hope, Inc (May 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1894169107
• ISBN-13: 978-1894169103
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #830,393 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Faces of Huntington's, Faces of Hope, January 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Faces of Huntington's (Paperback)

At one time or another,most of us experience some degree of despair. Faces of Huntington's depicts people whose lives are thrown into the deepest, most devastating kind. Yet these people, in the midst of a horror that comparatively few ever experience, manage somehow to radiate hope. Carmen Leal-Pock's stories and those of the others' she's included in her book emanate nothing but faith in hard places, love in unlovable circumstances, and hope that gives hope to others who read the book in search of something to hold on to, a lifeline. Some books about devastating diseases leave readers just that-devastated. Others, including Leal-Pock's,offer positive help and encouragement. *Faces* lets victims with HD and other insidious neurological diseases know that yes, they're in a pit of seemingly never-ending hurt, but they're not alone, and there is hope. Life does go on, and where there is life, with the tragedy and heartbreak there is also love, joy, and again, hope. Leal-Pock's faith, her hope for a cure for HD, Alzheimer's et al., shines through the entire book. It's a must read for anyone desiring sound, encouraging, comforting reason while in a hard place.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring, real, and applicable to those with any challenge., July 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Faces of Huntington's (Paperback)

Faces of Huntington's is a wonderful book that brings the reader face to face with one of the most challenging prospects a person may encounter in life--dealing with a debilitating illness. Carmen Leal-Pock illuminates the pain, the struggle, and the heart aches that are inevitable with this disease from hell, but she also allows the reader to receive a taste from the cup of great hope, unselfish support, and loving spirit that the patients, those at risk, and caregivers must partake of on a daily basis in order to survive. As a pastor I found this book very helpful in sensitizing me to the special needs that others with great challenges have. No person, churched or unchurched, activily spiritual or otherwise, could read this book without being moved. Although the subject matter is intense, the blend of poetry and narrative keeps the flow lively and refreshing. Whether one is reading for inspiration, or hope, or comfort, or resource, the time spent with Faces of Huntington's will be fruitful.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book!, March 8, 2003

By 

Marsha Miller (Wilmington, DE United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Faces of Huntington's (Paperback)

Faces of Huntington's is one of the first things I read after my husband was diagnosed. It is a wonderful book! There are contributions from people with HD, people at risk, and caregivers, all of whom write from the heart. I am glad Ms. Leal-Pock helped give the Huntington's community a voice. I feel blessed to have subsequently met many of the contributors at Huntington's Disease conventions. They are indeed inspirational people.

As for the bracelet story referred to by another reader, I recently spoke at an HD gathering at which Ms. Leal-Pock was also a speaker. She showed me the bracelet and (as a jewelry collector) I felt that the price paid was a fair one, although of course it is priceless to her. I don't understand why we cannot all support one another in the struggle to live positive lives despite HD.