Overview

“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.

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9781722507107

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Reviews

"Normal parenting is hard enough. Parenting a child with a disability can be one of life’s most difficult challenges. As a child psychiatrist with over 40 years of experience working with youngsters with a variety of neuropsychological and developmental disabilities, I found this book to be enlightening, reaffirming and heartwarming. The dyad of Jane and Suzy, prove that the power of the symbiotic bond between a mother and child should never be underestimated. Their superhuman emotional determination and innate compassion in the face of intense adversity, served to bring out the very best in each other. Jane’s love, sensitivity to her daughter’s desires, and her own ability for self-reflection propelled her to push beyond the limits of medical knowledge, resulting in Suzy developmentally growing beyond physicians’ expectations. Suzy appears to be what her mother describes as a “fountainhead,” a beacon of innocent joy and delight who brings sunshine into the lives of all who make her acquaintance. What an unexpected but well-deserved triumph! Hopefully, this book helps parents of youngsters with disabilities feel less alone and more optimistic about their child’s future. Raising a child with multiple disabilities and denying the advice of a variety of medical naysayers is very difficult and fraught with landmines. Yet sometimes as the story of Suzy and Jane demonstrates, commitment to this path may also be rife with a myriad of unexpected blessings and surprises.-Rosalie Greenberg, MD, LFAPA, DFAACAP, Board Certified in Child, Adolescent and General Psychiatry, Author: Bipolar Kids: Helping Your Child Find Calm in the Mood Storm; Co-author: When Acting Out Isn’t Acting: Understanding Child and Adolescent Temper, Anger, and Behavior. Disorders Jane Fischer has captured the essence of meeting the challenges of parenting a child with developmental disabilities. “If You Knew Suzy” is a compassionate and instructive portrayal. It should be required reading for parents and professionals responsible for shaping such lives. —Warren E. Heiss, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus, Former Chair, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Montclair State University If You Knew Suzy is a poignant account of how a mother's love and advocacy can positively influence the life of a child with even the most dire of medical predictions. A must-read for any family starting their journey with a child with special needs.—Jennifer C. Dempsey, MPH Research Coordinator, Hindbrain Malformation Research Program at the University of Washington Suzy Fischer has defied all the books I have read as well as written. She is a miracle.” —Arnold Gold, M.D., Professor of Clinical Neurology and Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University May the “Suzy Effect,” as described in this book, inspire every family to enjoy and love each of their children with new appreciation and joy, especially children like Suzy, whose potential is impossible to accurately forecast! -Dr. Sandra O. Gold MMS, EdD, Co-Founder and Trustee of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, the leading national nonprofit championing humanism in healthcare. “Suzy’s story will encourage readers to reassess what they think of as misfortune—especially parents with any type of challenge. This story will motivate families to accept that while life hasn’t gone according to plan, life has presented the unexpected blessings of new gifts, deeper experiences, and rewards.”—Kathleen Grissom, New York Times bestselling author of The Kitchen House; Glory Over Everything and Crow Mary: A Novel “I loved this story of a determined mother, an even more determined daughter, and the family that rallied around them. Jane Fischer doesn't pull any punches describing decisions she made that she now feels weren’t the best at the time. But that’s the benefit of hindsight. Her honest account of the challenges of raising a child who has defied the medical odds is a chronicle of hope for all of us.” —Mary Simses, Author of The Wedding Thief I couldn't put the book down! From the constant therapies soon after Suzy was born, to the fight to get what Jane felt Suzy needed academically to the heart wrenching medical emergencies, Jane and Suzy were examples of profiles in courage. Every parent wants their child to ""be like everyone else"" and Jane's drive to have Suzy experience what ""normal"" children experience was close to miraculous. Suzy's personality shines throughout the book as does Jane's motivation to give Suzy the best possible opportunities for a fulfilling life. Any parent, but especially mothers of children with disabilities, will relate and find strength in all Jane did to advocate for her child. The messages of love, hope and resilience rang out loud and clear and the strength Jane exemplifies is so incredible that it is indescribable. At times I didn't think she would be able to go on or keep her marriage together and often felt sad for Jane because by giving Suzy all that she gave, she sacrificed so much of herself. I am sure that parents of disabled children, siblings, extended family members and professionals who work with them will strongly relate to that. As a school professional, I found all parts about the IEP meetings and the child study group meetings to be fascinating. It really drove home the point about how important it is for parents to be involved in the IEP process. —Beth Levy, retired NYC Department of Education founding Principal of the Queens District 25 Pre-K Centers and former School Social Worker. I cannot begin to understand the journey starting the day Suzy was born. As the mother of a special needs woman, too, now age 36, I have had quite a taste of it, but nothing like the years you’ve spent teaching—with grace and conviction—and watching your daughter grow up as a determined and yes—smart—woman who stole the hearts of everyone she’s met. I loved this book. Your skilled writing gave me an exceptional understanding of not just Suzy, but of you and your relationship. It extends into understanding the special family you have - your two other children, your mom, and yes, your husband. It wasn’t easy for any of you. You are all heroes in my book. —Terry Matlen, MSW, psychotherapist, consultant, coach, author of The Queen of Distraction and Survival Tips for Women with ADHD and founder of addconsults.com “If you knew Suzy“ is a must read for anyone who has a relationship with a child with a disability. This book detailing the most candid, personal and intimate experiences of a family beginning and enduring a most unexpected journey will serve as a roadmap of what one may expect when they are given a disability diagnosis for their child. It will also provide powerful and essential validation of the emotional impact of the diagnosis and the assurance that one can survive as they pick up the pieces and do whatever it takes to benefit your child and keep your family intact. This book will help you access the courage and fortitude you will need to move forward in this journey—strengths that prior to your reading you might not have even known you possess—which will ultimately result in the best outcome possible for your child! No one ever plans or wants to go on this unexpected journey, but-this book will show you some of the joys in the journey despite all the trials and tribulations - and also show you that with true grit and determination, you will survive and prevail! —Bruce Litinger- Special Education Parent Advocate; Former public school Director of Special Education; Former Director of Approved Private Schools for Students With Disabilities ""I just finished your very inspiring book, and I am in awe of you and your daughter. As a speech and language therapist, I always felt I had great patience and compassion.  However, your devotion to your daughter 24/7 gives a whole new meaning to patience and compassion.  Although your devotion level and your energy level might be hard for many to emulate, it should give hope to the readers of this very important book and help them understand how much can be accomplished with a child for whom the experts leave little hope. The fact that you were given such dire news initially and ignored it to help Suzy thrive and become the best possible version of herself should give hope to every parent of a special needs child.  Wishing you and your family only the best."" —Susan Harrison, M.S. CCC"

"Jane Fischer has captured the essence of meeting the challenges of parenting a child with developmental disabilities. “If You Knew Suzy” is a compassionate and instructive portrayal. It should be required reading for parents and professionals responsible for shaping such lives. —Warren E. Heiss, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus, Former Chair, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Montclair State University If You Knew Suzy is a poignant account of how a mother's love and advocacy can positively influence the life of a child with even the most dire of medical predictions. A must-read for any family starting their journey with a child with special needs.—Jennifer C. Dempsey, MPH Research Coordinator, Hindbrain Malformation Research Program at the University of Washington Suzy Fischer has defied all the books I have read as well as written. She is a miracle.” —Arnold Gold, M.D., Professor of Clinical Neurology and Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University May the “Suzy Effect,” as described in this book, inspire every family to enjoy and love each of their children with new appreciation and joy, especially children like Suzy, whose potential is impossible to accurately forecast! -Dr. Sandra O. Gold MMS, EdD, Co-Founder and Trustee of the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, the leading national nonprofit championing humanism in healthcare. “Suzy’s story will encourage readers to reassess what they think of as misfortune—especially parents with any type of challenge. This story will motivate families to accept that while life hasn’t gone according to plan, life has presented the unexpected blessings of new gifts, deeper experiences, and rewards.”—Kathleen Grissom, New York Times bestselling author of The Kitchen House; Glory Over Everything and Crow Mary: A Novel “I loved this story of a determined mother, an even more determined daughter, and the family that rallied around them. Jane Fischer doesn't pull any punches describing decisions she made that she now feels weren’t the best at the time. But that’s the benefit of hindsight. Her honest account of the challenges of raising a child who has defied the medical odds is a chronicle of hope for all of us.” —Mary Simses, Author of The Wedding Thief I couldn't put the book down! From the constant therapies soon after Suzy was born, to the fight to get what Jane felt Suzy needed academically to the heart wrenching medical emergencies, Jane and Suzy were examples of profiles in courage. Every parent wants their child to ""be like everyone else"" and Jane's drive to have Suzy experience what ""normal"" children experience was close to miraculous. Suzy's personality shines throughout the book as does Jane's motivation to give Suzy the best possible opportunities for a fulfilling life. Any parent, but especially mothers of children with disabilities, will relate and find strength in all Jane did to advocate for her child. The messages of love, hope and resilience rang out loud and clear and the strength Jane exemplifies is so incredible that it is indescribable. At times I didn't think she would be able to go on or keep her marriage together and often felt sad for Jane because by giving Suzy all that she gave, she sacrificed so much of herself. I am sure that parents of disabled children, siblings, extended family members and professionals who work with them will strongly relate to that. As a school professional, I found all parts about the IEP meetings and the child study group meetings to be fascinating. It really drove home the point about how important it is for parents to be involved in the IEP process. —Beth Levy, retired NYC Department of Education founding Principal of the Queens District 25 Pre-K Centers and former School Social Worker. I cannot begin to understand the journey starting the day Suzy was born. As the mother of a special needs woman, too, now age 36, I have had quite a taste of it, but nothing like the years you’ve spent teaching—with grace and conviction—and watching your daughter grow up as a determined and yes—smart—woman who stole the hearts of everyone she’s met. I loved this book. Your skilled writing gave me an exceptional understanding of not just Suzy, but of you and your relationship. It extends into understanding the special family you have - your two other children, your mom, and yes, your husband. It wasn’t easy for any of you. You are all heroes in my book. —Terry Matlen, MSW, psychotherapist, consultant, coach, author of The Queen of Distraction and Survival Tips for Women with ADHD and founder of addconsults.com “If you knew Suzy“ is a must read for anyone who has a relationship with a child with a disability. This book detailing the most candid, personal and intimate experiences of a family beginning and enduring a most unexpected journey will serve as a roadmap of what one may expect when they are given a disability diagnosis for their child. It will also provide powerful and essential validation of the emotional impact of the diagnosis and the assurance that one can survive as they pick up the pieces and do whatever it takes to benefit your child and keep your family intact. This book will help you access the courage and fortitude you will need to move forward in this journey—strengths that prior to your reading you might not have even known you possess—which will ultimately result in the best outcome possible for your child! No one ever plans or wants to go on this unexpected journey, but-this book will show you some of the joys in the journey despite all the trials and tribulations - and also show you that with true grit and determination, you will survive and prevail! —Bruce Litinger- Special Education Parent Advocate; Former public school Director of Special Education; Former Director of Approved Private Schools for Students With Disabilities ""I just finished your very inspiring book, and I am in awe of you and your daughter. As a speech and language therapist, I always felt I had great patience and compassion.  However, your devotion to your daughter 24/7 gives a whole new meaning to patience and compassion.  Although your devotion level and your energy level might be hard for many to emulate, it should give hope to the readers of this very important book and help them understand how much can be accomplished with a child for whom the experts leave little hope. The fact that you were given such dire news initially and ignored it to help Suzy thrive and become the best possible version of herself should give hope to every parent of a special needs child.  Wishing you and your family only the best."" —Susan Harrison, M.S. CCC"

"“Suzy Fischer has defied all the books I have read as well as writ­ten. She is a miracle.” —Arnold Gold, M.D., Professor of Clinical Neurology and Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University “Suzy’s story will encourage readers to reassess what they think of as misfortune—especially parents with any type of challenge. This story will motivate families to accept that while life hasn’t gone according to plan, life has presented the unexpected bless­ings of new gifts, deeper experiences, and rewards.” —Kathleen Grissom, New York Times bestselling author of The Kitchen House; Glory Over Everything andCrow Mary: A Novel  “I loved this story of a determined mother, an even more determined daughter, and the family that rallied around them. Jane Fischer doesn't pull any punches describing decisions she made that she now feels weren’t the best at the time. But that’s the benefit of hindsight. Her honest account of the challenges of raising a child who has defied the medical odds is a chronicle of hope for all of us.” —Mary Simses, Author of The Wedding Thief  ""I just finished your very inspiring book, and I am in awe of you and your daughter. As a speech and language therapist, I always felt I had great patience and compassion.  However, your devotion to your daughter 24/7 gives a whole new meaning to patience and compassion.  Although your devotion level and your energy level might be hard for many to emulate, it should give hope to the readers of this very important book and help them understand how much can be accomplished with a child for whom the experts leave little hope. The fact that you were given such dire news initially and ignored it to help Suzy thrive and become the best possible version of herself should give hope to every parent of a special needs child.  Wishing you and your family only the best."" —Susan Harrison, M.S. CCC  I couldn't put the book down!  Every parent wants their child to ""be like everyone else"" and Jane's drive to have Suzy experience what ""normal"" children experience was close to miraculous. Suzy's personality shines throughout the book as does Jane's motivation to give Suzy the best possible opportunities for a fulfilling life. Any parent, but especially mothers of children with disabilities, will relate and find strength in all Jane did to advocate for her child. The messages of love, hope and resilience rang out loud and clear and the strength Jane exemplifies is so incredible that it is indescribable. At times I didn't think she would be able to go on or keep her marriage together and often felt sad for Jane because by giving Suzy all that she gave, she sacrificed so much of herself. I am sure that parents of disabled children, siblings, extended family members and professionals who work with them will strongly relate to that.   As a school professional, I found all parts about the IEP meetings and the child study group meetings to be fascinating. It really drove home the point about how important it is for parents to be involved in the IEP process. —Beth Levy, retired NYC Department of Education founding Principal of the Queens District 25 Pre-K Centers and former School Social Worker.  I cannot begin to understand the journey starting the day Suzy was born. As the mother of a special needs woman, too, now age 36, I have had quite a taste of it, but nothing like the years you’ve spent teaching—with grace and conviction—and watching your daughter grow up as a determined and yes—smart—woman who stole the hearts of everyone she’s met. I loved this book. Your skilled writing gave me an exceptional understanding of not just Suzy, but of you and your relationship. It extends into understanding the special family you have - your two other children, your mom, and yes, your husband. It wasn’t easy for any of you.  You are all heroes in my book. —Terry Matlen, MSW, psychotherapist, consultant, coach, author of The Queen of Distraction and Survival Tips for Women with ADHD and founder of addconsults.com “If you knew Suzy“ is a must read for anyone who has a relationship with a child with a disability. This book detailing the most candid, personal and intimate experiences of a family beginning and enduring a most unexpected journey will serve as a roadmap of what one may expect when they are given a disability diagnosis for their child. It will also provide powerful and essential validation of the emotional impact of the diagnosis and the assurance that one can survive as they pick up the pieces and do whatever it takes to benefit your child and keep your family intact. This book will help you access the courage and fortitude you will need to move forward in this journey—strengths that prior to your reading you might not have even known you possess—which will ultimately result in the best outcome possible for your child! No one ever plans or wants to go on this unexpected journey, but-this book will show you some of the joys in the journey despite all the trials and tribulations - and also show you that with true grit and determination, you will survive and prevail! - Bruce Litinger- Special Education Parent Advocate; Former public school Director of Special Education; Former Director of Approved Private Schools for Students With Disabilities"

"Jane Fischer has captured the essence of meeting the challenges of parenting a child with developmental disabilities. “If You Knew Suzy” is a compassionate and instructive portrayal. It should be required reading for parents and professionals responsible for shaping such lives. —Warren E. Heiss, Ed.D. Professor Emeritus, Former Chair, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Montclair State University If You Knew Suzy is a poignant account of how a mother's love and advocacy can positively influence the life of a child with even the most dire of medical predictions. A must-read for any family starting their journey with a child with special needs.—Jennifer C. Dempsey, MPH Research Coordinator, Hindbrain Malformation Research Program at the University of Washington Suzy Fischer has defied all the books I have read as well as written. She is a miracle.” —Arnold Gold, M.D., Professor of Clinical Neurology and Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University “Suzy’s story will encourage readers to reassess what they think of as misfortune—especially parents with any type of challenge. This story will motivate families to accept that while life hasn’t gone according to plan, life has presented the unexpected blessings of new gifts, deeper experiences, and rewards.”—Kathleen Grissom, New York Times bestselling author of The Kitchen House; Glory Over Everything and Crow Mary: A Novel “I loved this story of a determined mother, an even more determined daughter, and the family that rallied around them. Jane Fischer doesn't pull any punches describing decisions she made that she now feels weren’t the best at the time. But that’s the benefit of hindsight. Her honest account of the challenges of raising a child who has defied the medical odds is a chronicle of hope for all of us.” —Mary Simses, Author of The Wedding Thief I couldn't put the book down! From the constant therapies soon after Suzy was born, to the fight to get what Jane felt Suzy needed academically to the heart wrenching medical emergencies, Jane and Suzy were examples of profiles in courage. Every parent wants their child to ""be like everyone else"" and Jane's drive to have Suzy experience what ""normal"" children experience was close to miraculous. Suzy's personality shines throughout the book as does Jane's motivation to give Suzy the best possible opportunities for a fulfilling life.  Any parent, but especially mothers of children with disabilities, will relate and find strength in all Jane did to advocate for her child. The messages of love, hope and resilience rang out loud and clear and the strength Jane exemplifies is so incredible that it is indescribable. At times I didn't think she would be able to go on or keep her marriage together and often felt sad for Jane because by giving Suzy all that she gave, she sacrificed so much of herself. I am sure that parents of disabled children, siblings, extended family members and professionals who work with them will strongly relate to that. As a school professional, I found all parts about the IEP meetings and the child study group meetings to be fascinating. It really drove home the point about how important it is for parents to be involved in the IEP process. —Beth Levy, retired NYC Department of Education founding Principal of the Queens District 25 Pre-K Centers and former School Social Worker. I cannot begin to understand the journey starting the day Suzy was born. As the mother of a special needs woman, too, now age 36, I have had quite a taste of it, but nothing like the years you’ve spent teaching—with grace and conviction—and watching your daughter grow up as a determined and yes—smart—woman who stole the hearts of everyone she’s met. I loved this book. Your skilled writing gave me an exceptional understanding of not just Suzy, but of you and your relationship. It extends into understanding the special family you have - your two other children, your mom, and yes, your husband. It wasn’t easy for any of you. You are all heroes in my book. —Terry Matlen, MSW, psychotherapist, consultant, coach, author of The Queen of Distraction and Survival Tips for Women with ADHD and founder of addconsults.com “If you knew Suzy“ is a must read for anyone who has a relationship with a child with a disability. This book detailing the most candid, personal and intimate experiences of a family beginning and enduring a most unexpected journey will serve as a roadmap of what one may expect when they are given a disability diagnosis for their child. It will also provide powerful and essential validation of the emotional impact of the diagnosis and the assurance that one can survive as they pick up the pieces and do whatever it takes to benefit your child and keep your family intact. This book will help you access the courage and fortitude you will need to move forward in this journey—strengths that prior to your reading you might not have even known you possess—which will ultimately result in the best outcome possible for your child! No one ever plans or wants to go on this unexpected journey, but-this book will show you some of the joys in the journey despite all the trials and tribulations - and also show you that with true grit and determination, you will survive and prevail! —Bruce Litinger- Special Education Parent Advocate; Former public school Director of Special Education; Former Director of Approved Private Schools for Students With Disabilities ""I just finished your very inspiring book, and I am in awe of you and your daughter. As a speech and language therapist, I always felt I had great patience and compassion.  However, your devotion to your daughter 24/7 gives a whole new meaning to patience and compassion.  Although your devotion level and your energy level might be hard for many to emulate, it should give hope to the readers of this very important book and help them understand how much can be accomplished with a child for whom the experts leave little hope. The fact that you were given such dire news initially and ignored it to help Suzy thrive and become the best possible version of herself should give hope to every parent of a special needs child.  Wishing you and your family only the best."" —Susan Harrison, M.S. CCC"

Author Information

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.

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