Someone Like Me: An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph Over Cerebral Palsy

Product Description

As a child, John Quinn had a dream of a naval career despite his affliction with cerebral palsy. After failing the physical exam, he underwent painful, self applied physical therapy for one year then successfully passed a second exam. He kept his cerebral palsy a secret from the record- keepers and medical authorities for 20 years. He had a distinguished and highly decorated career despite the pain he endured to appear normal. He served on board destroyers, a battleship, two aircraft carriers and functioned as an administrator for a Seal unit. The outside world also impacted on him further aggravating his CP when he was challenged by alcoholism and excessive grief caused by the suicide of a brother. With help, John Quinn triumphed over both, as he did the painful cerebral palsy.

Review

br >For a personal story of triumph over cerebral palsy, John W. Quinn has written “Someone Like Me” ($16.96, History Publishing Company). Despite having been born with cerebral palsy, John wanted to be in the U.S. Navy, but the Navy didn’t want him. Even though every step he took was measured in pain, the Navy requirement for a “duck walk” initially disqualified him. He never made mention of his CP. Instead he put himself into a regimen of self-applied physical therapy for a year until he could fulfill the requirement. It meant learning to deal with a new level of pain and it led to a twenty-year career in the Navy! He retired as a senior chief petty officer and earned numerous citations and awards. This is not the story of an easy life at any point along the way, but it is one of great determination that can serve as an inspiration to those born with CP and anyone else inclined to feel sorry for themselves. –Bookvues.com June, –Arizona Daily Star, August 1, 2010

For a personal story of triumph over cerebral palsy, John W. Quinn has written “Someone Like Me.” Despite having been born with cerebral palsy, John wanted to be in the U.S. Navy, but the Navy didn’t want him. Even though every step he took was measured in pain, the Navy requirement for a “duck walk” initially disqualified him. He never made mention of his CP. Instead he put himself into a regimen of self-applied physical therapy for a year until he could fulfill the requirement. It meant learning to deal with a new level of pain and it led to a twenty-year career in the Navy! He retired as a senior chief petty officer and earned numerous citations and awards. This is not the story of an easy life at any point along the way, but it is one of great determination that can serve as an inspiration to those born with CP and anyone else inclined to feel sorry for themselves. — –Bookvues by Alan Caruba

When someone says you can’t do something, the natural human response is defiance. “Someone Like Me: An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph Over Cerebral Palsy” tells the story of John W. Quinn, and how for decades he hid his condition and rose through the ranks of the US Navy. Born with cerebral palsy, no one expected him to achieve officer rank in the Navy. “Someone Like Me” is a fascinating and uplifting story, very highly recommended. –Midwest Book Review,
< --Nidwest Book Review From the Back Cover "Someone Like Me will serve as an inspiration to a lot of people, not only those with CP, but just ordinary folks who want to read about someone who overcame adversity and succeeded in a most amazing way." -General Richard (Butch) Neal, Assistant Commadant, United States Marine Corps, Retired "Mighty Quinn"...well, that's what we called him...and still do...and I don't believe Bob Dylan would mind... His story is uncommonly unique and unquestionably inspirational, leaving readers no choice but to confirm that he is indeed...Mighty Quinn." - Chris F. Jewett, Captain, United States Navy, Retired "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