If They Could Only Hear Me: A collection of personal stories about ALS and the families that have been affected. [Paperback]

Ed Rice (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 22, 2005

This collection of personal stories was assembled to help bring more awareness to an insidious disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Product Details

• Paperback: 102 pages
• Publisher: BookSurge Publishing (December 22, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1419622455
• ISBN-13: 978-1419622458
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #839,797 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Help us fight the fight., March 17, 2006

By 

T. DELVECCHIO (Palm Harbor, FL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If They Could Only Hear Me: A collection of personal stories about ALS and the families that have been affected. (Paperback)

The title of this book was chosen because of the silent struggle of an ALS patient who had a perfectly functioning mind but was not able to communicate.

The Angel Fund a non-profit ALS research charity founded by Ginny DelVecchio (herself an ALS victim) asked its community of supporters to write their own ALS experience from their point of view. Each story is unique and provides a feeling of "no one is alone" in their struggle with this disease.

As for my mother (Ginny), who used to say "It will be a beautiful day when we don't need to have The Angel Fund, for we will have found a cure."; we at The Angel Fund hope you join us and support ALS research to find a cure. For the proceeds of this book go directly to ALS research through The Angel Fund. My first hand knowledge of what went into this book and its authors continue to give me hope that one day we will find a cure.

One thing that I can't stress enough is that if you, a loved one, or a friend, ever encounter this disease make sure that you don't walk away from it, during or after it has taken its toll. As hard as it may be, make sure you keep the fight ever present. Only research, awareness and patient support will bring this disease to its rightful demise.

Even if you are not aware of ALS or its tragic effects on family and caregivers this is a great depiction of what it is like to be a part of the struggle. With over 20 authors you get a good cross-section of experiences. There are personal stories from doctors, nurses, and friends which all give their personal account of experiences with ALS. If you are looking for a book that will educate and inspire hope, while helping the cause, you have found it.

Lastly, The Angel Fund hopes to be coming out with another book fairly soon, so stay tuned. The next book will focus on the care giving aspects of ALS from the professionals in the field and will once again aim to educate and inspire hope.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful tribute for the families, February 6, 2006

By 

C.Winslow (Peabody, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If They Could Only Hear Me: A collection of personal stories about ALS and the families that have been affected. (Paperback)

I originally thought that I would be very depressed and feel awful for the people and families affected by ALS - but I was wrong! This book is filled with personal stories that show the resilience and spirit in everyone that "keeps the hope alive" there will someday be a cure.