In 1985, Heidi, the 25-year-old daughter of Brad von Beltz, a veteran actor in westerns, was working as a stuntwoman and was on her way to a successful Hollywood acting career. Then, on the set of Cannonball Run, she broke her neck in a car crash. Written with journalist Peter Copeland (She Went to War), this inspiring account details Heidi's rehabilitation, which was achieved despite the gloomy prognosis of doctors, who predicted she would remain a quadriplegic and die within five years. Her parents found a pioneer in spinal surgery who fused their daughter's neck, and with their unwavering support, Heidi embarked on a series of rigorous alternative treatments and spiritual journeys that enabled her to regain movement in her arms and legs and to sit and stand with support. Optimistic and energetic, Heidi today surrounds herself with loyal friends, including actress Melanie Griffith, works on healing herself and reaches out to others with severe physical injuries. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Booklist
With a budding movie and stunt career, von Beltz suffered near-fatal injuries during the filming of Cannonball Run in 1980. Damage to several neck vertebrae led to a harsh diagnosis of permanent paralysis with little chance of improvement. "She will never again move below the earlobes," one doctor told her parents. However, she was determined to disprove such medical opinions and to get on with living. Strong support from her parents and friends (Melanie Griffith is her closest friend) aided her recovery, as did Christian Science, holistic medicine, visualization, and hope. Her robust optimism about getting better--in the face of repeated negative medical opinions--was rewarded with physical control never deemed possible by numerous doctors, nurses, and therapists. After devoting herself to exercise programs and mental therapies for the last 15 years, she has straightened out her spine (S-curved by the crash), regained movement in every part of her body, and become a role model for others stricken with spinal injuries. This inspiring story offers both a view from a Hollywood insider and a testament to the power of her determined, positive will. Jennifer Henderson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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