Book Cover and Release Date Set!

Hi everyone. I just received a picture of the book cover and wanted to share it with you. What do you think? I have so many emotions when I see this - excited, proud, and very humbled.

Circle April 15, 2010 on your calendars - That's the day when Someone Like Me will be on your bookstore shelves! Tell all your friends and don't forget that you can also follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks for all the support - John

www.johnwquinn.com

One Person Helping Another -

I was contacted through this website recently by a mother looking for support for her young daughter. Her words are so powerful that I wanted to share them with you here.

John,

I came across your story because I have a 17 year old daughter with Cerebral Palsy and she is just MISERABLE right now. I have been surfing the web in trying to find any advice about the difficulty just dealing with having cp. She is a senior at Charlotte Catholic High School and she is hoping to study physiology at High Point University in the Fall. Jamie is not able to walk and gets around in a power chair. I’m real excited about your book coming out and I know it will help her a lot. I enjoyed very much just reading that one page and I can’t wait for the book to come out. If you have any advice for me right now, I’d love to hear from you. Thank you for taking the time to read my note.

Sincerely, Laura

I offered some words of encouragement and told Laura that in fact her daughter inspires ME! A portion of Laura's response goes as follows:

Wow! These were the most uplifting words I have ever heard! I thank you, from the bottom of my heart for your encouraging words. Jamie said she feels sooooo much better knowing in her heart, she is not alone. I printed out your note last night and had her read it this morning (at 5:00am she is up for school) and she almost started to cry and said she will think of those words you said throughout her day when she is feeling sad. She also said, “hey, maybe I’ll write a book one day about my story”. On her way getting on the bus, she said, “I think I will write that book mom”

You know John, it’s funny. I used to pray to God for Jamie to walk. I said I could not deal with the pain of her having to be in a wheelchair. Now, I pray every day for Jamie to just be happy. I use the words, Dear God, it’s me again….. because life has been very tough on my little girl lately. I know Jamie’s life will be complete someday, it’s just been a little tough lately. I believe when God closes a door he opens a window. I know her door has been shut lately, you opened our window with your beautiful words.

God bless you and the very best of luck with your book. She is so excited about reading it! I would love to meet you one day and I have found without her disability, we would never know such wonderful people like yourself.

We’ll be in touch… Laura

I am in the process of putting together a list of resource links that I will attach to this website. It'll include blogs for teens with CP, inspirational stories, and various support groups that are waiting to hear from you. In the meantime, please remember that you are never alone. Pick up the phone, call a friend or loved one, shoot someone an email or a Tweet. Let them know how you're feeling - its important. No one should suffer in silence.

And remember, there is always hope. Right, Laura?

Keep charging! John

http://www.johnwquinn.com/

Vulnerability -

In my book Someone Like Me, An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph over Cerebral Palsy which is scheduled to be released in April 2010, I tell of lying about my handicap and wanting so badly to appear "normal." Some of my friends with CP have called me on that. What's wrong with being who I am? Obviously I now have the self-confidence it takes to be different and proud, but that wasn't always the case. I hated not being able to ice skate, run gracefully or attract women.

Diversity classes abound nowadays, but "different" still often translates to "less than." I've been ridiculed for the way I walk, the way I look at people, and for just standing there trembling. It takes great maturity to get past that, and accept who I am. I tried drinking as a means of fitting in and dulling my life. That didn't work. I tried hiding my symptoms. That helped to some extent, but left me feeling like a hypocrite.

Ultimately my self-esteem was built on perserverence and personal motivation, both which led me to success on the job and at life in general. Success feels good, writing the book felt good.

Now that I'm soon to open my life and heart up to inspection by my readers, I have to confess that some of that old vulnerability has crept back in. Will I be scorned, ridiculed or laughed at?

I'll let you be the judge.

Keep charging - John

www.johnwquinn.com

Pushing Yourself to Find your Ability -

The word disability really bothers me. Look at the word again. I am not an English major, but I know that the prefix “dis” means the absence of. So the word disability means the absence of ability. If that’s the case, then yes, I have a disability. I cannot do fractions. In fact, when it comes to anything having to do with math, I struggle mightily. When it comes to home improvements or car repairs, I don’t know which end of the screwdriver to hold. Another disability.

But there are many areas of my life in which I am very capable. Some big, others small. Everyone has some ability to offer this world. You just have to find it. It might be hidden deep down inside you, just yearning to come out. For my disabled friends, don’t let your handicap hold you back. Don’t listen to the people that tell you it cannot be done. My parents told me that I could do anything that I put my mind to and I believe that to be true for anyone, regardless of obstacles faced. If you don’t push yourself to find your ability, who will? Franklin Delano Roosevelt suffered with polio and became President of the United States. Albert Einstein didn’t talk until the age of three and was severely dyslexic. The English author/poet Milton lost his sight at the age of 43 and then wrote the classic tale Paradise Lost. How about Bonnie St. John who won silver and two bronze medals in the 1984 Paralympic Games as a ski racer; graduated with honors from Harvard University won a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford. Did I fail to mention that Bonnie has one leg? What would the world be like if these people had given up? Can you imagine FDR saying, “I can’t do it, it’s too hard.”

Have you always wanted to paint but thought it was a waste of time? Perhaps you've felt a strong desire to get up on stage in your community theater but were ridiculed when you shared your dream out loud? I have been laughed at. Most people thought it was nuts for a guy with cerebral palsy to even dream of joining the Navy. Mocking turned to cheers 20 years later when I retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. When I decided I wanted to write my memoir, some scoffed. “You’ve never written anything before. “What makes you think you can write a book?” Well, Someone Like Me, An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph over Cerebral Palsy is scheduled to be released in April 2010. It appears that I have the ability to put my thoughts down on paper is such a way that others enjoy reading them.

You might not become President of the United States, discover new math theories, or write an epic novel. But then again, you might. So I ask you. What’s your ability?

Keep charging! John

http://www.johnwquinn.com/

Latest info on Someone Like Me -

Hi everyone. Wanted to give you all an update on whats going on with Someone Like Me. I picked out the cover this past week and am really happy on how it looks! I will post it as soon as I am able.

I found out yesterday that the release date of the book has been pushed back a bit. Originally scheduled to be released on 17 March 2010, we are now targeting early April 2010. As soon as the release date gets firmed up, I will post that date here as well.

Don't forget that you can follow me on Facebook and Twitter. Just click on the links provided on my homepage. I look forward to seeing you there!

Thanks! John

www.johnwquinn.com

Already Changing Lives...

My book, Someone Like Me isn't even out yet and already it's changing lives. The following is from Edward A. Hurvitz, M.D. Associate Professor and Chair, James Rae Collegiate Professor who heads up the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Michigan. Dr. Hurvitz writes:

"When is the last time that you read a book and it changed the way you think? When is the last time that a book led to a change in how you conducted yourself in your career? “Someone Like Me, An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph over Cerebral Palsy” by John Quinn did that for me.

I have been treating individuals with cerebral palsy for over 20 years at the University of Michigan. I am a Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist, and I speak to families with children who have cerebral palsy about all aspects of their lives including movement, language, education, and their child’s future. Over the years, many of my patients have stayed with me as they grew into adulthood, and they present now with new and different problems.

There are hundreds of thousands of adults with cerebral palsy in the United States. Many, like John, live and work side by side with their non-disabled peers, overcoming challenges on a daily basis. Although cerebral palsy does not get worse, the effects it has on the body tend to increase with age. Pain is a common complaint, limiting mobility and the ability to perform functional tasks. Muscle tightness, early joint arthritis, and other medical problems interfere more with life as the person ages. These problems can also limit physical activity, which then leads to more pain, muscle and joint complications. Adults with cerebral palsy also face difficulties getting proper medical care since so few specialists have, until recently, been interested in their health issues. Pediatric specialists only want to see children, and adult specialists do not have adequate information about cerebral palsy.

Based on the potential for the problems noted above, one standard of care for teens and young adults with cerebral palsy was to advise them to seek careers and lifestyles that would not challenge them physically. I always taught students and resident physicians to counsel them about computer work and other sedentary, less active careers combined with mild to moderate exercise. I did not meet John Quinn as a teen, but if I had, I could imagine myself saying something like, “After all, John, you are not exactly cut out for the Navy Seals!”

“Someone Like Me, An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph over Cerebral Palsy” has opened my eyes to a new horizon for individuals with cerebral palsy. As a rehabilitation physician, my goal has always been to open doors and increase opportunities for young people with disabilities. However, I see that I have not advised my patients to push the horizon enough. Thanks to John Quinn, I now know that given determination, bravery and desire, much more is possible for my patients than I could imagine before. This book is a must for every physician, therapist, and other caregiver that treats individuals with cerebral palsy or any other disability. It also is a must for every young person who ever looked at a goal and thought it was just out of reach. Perhaps he or she should look again.

Luck of the Irish?

My publisher, History Publishing Company informs me that they are targeting 17 March 2010 as the release date for my book! As an Irishman whose last name is Quinn, I take that as a great omen because of course its St. Patrick's Day! So mark your calendars, shine up that four leaf clover and be one of the first in line to purchase Someone Like Me on St. Patrick's Day, 2010!

May the road rise up to meet you - John

http://www.johnwquinn.com/

Wanted to share some reader comments -

My website has been up for less than a week and the comments for Someone Like Me are coming in from around the country. I am so moved by the outpouring of emotion that I wanted to share a few of the wonderful emails I have received -

"...I have a mild case of CP. I am awed by you. I have done a lot in my life, but never dreamed of joining any military organization. I did not think it was possible. I know that you must have faced great challenges. In our lives we face great adversity. I found a role model in you. Thank you for sharing your story. I eagerly anticipate reading it. I have emailed friends, family, and the entire staff at the school I work at as a teacher aid. The librarian already plans to purchase it for the school library. Everyone needs to read your story. The impossible is now possible for all..."

"...I look forward to reading it and passing it along to my 19 yr old niece who has CP..."

"...I am very much looking forward to the release of your book. My older sister (age 36) has Cerebral Palsy, and although it was not me with the condition…I too have the taunts and laughter running through my head that she endured for a couple of decades. I remember her coming home in tears, always being last in track in field races, longing to dance ballet but never progressing past the beginning level classes even at age 13…difficulties getting complicated clothes on, the last to be picked for group activites—the list goes on. I read the first chapter of your book here at work (my sister sent me the link) and I have all these emotions I can’t express…but I want you to know I am so pleased you wrote this book, I can’t wait to read it, and I do believe it will have a huge impact on people with muscular disorders and there families who have been ostracized and outcasts..."

"...Some people want to "say something" and never reach the hearts of others. Their words locked in silence except for times proven of their ignorance and unlearned behavior. And then, there are people like YOU who have "something to say". Open up a world of knowledge, feed the wise and pour out words of encouragement. Not just for the individual walking in the same shoes as yours, but also for those like me who deal with other health issues, equally deserving of thoughtful guidance by your incredibly powerful and loving spirit. Your story so far has inspired me to write more music and I can’t wait to read the book to complete my scores..."

Simply wonderful.

Stay strong - John

http://www.johnwquinn.com/

First Book Endorsement!

Hi everyone. Wanted to let you in on some exciting news. The University of Michigan is going to endorse my book! I received an email from the Departmental Chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation who made this generous offer. The U of M had conducted a ground breaking study which focused on cerebral palsy in adults for which I was a participant. I am humbled by the endorsement of such a fine institution. Go Blue!

Keep charging! John

http://www.johnwquinn.com/

Welcome to my Website!

Welcome and thanks for stopping by! I sure do appreciate you taking the time to visit.

My name is John Quinn and I have written my memoir titled Someone Like Me - An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph over Cerebral Palsy. It is going to be published by History Publishing Company in 2010 and I couldn't be more excited! Don't know the exact release date of the book yet, but I will post that information here as soon as I get it.

Feel free to shoot me a line, write me a letter or follow my adventures on Facebook or Twitter. I look forward to hearing from you!

Keep charging!

John

ps - Don't I look sharp as a 4 year old? Love the scuff marks on those "special shoes".

http://www.johnwquinn.com/