(Available at Amazon $13.95)
Product Description from Amazon
Susan O'Leary recounts the miraculous and triumphant fight of her then 9-year-old son to survive and recover from a devastating burn covering 98% of his body. The book unveils a truth of universal importance, namely, by helping others in need we canbecome their miracles.
From John O'leary's website Rising Above:
"John’s life is proof of the power of the human spirit. As a nine-year-old boy, he was burned on 100% of his body and given less than one percent chance of surviving the first night. He endured months in the hospital, years in therapy, dozens of surgeries, and lost all of his fingers to amputation. Despite the odds, John overcame these challenges and enjoys wonderful success in life.He is a college graduate, business owner, philanthropist, husband and father.His incredible compassion and genuine approach can be experienced from the platform, in group coaching sessions, his work as a chaplain at a children’s hospital, and as a Big Brothers, Big Sisters Ambassador. John is the 2007 recipient of the St. Louis University Distinguished Young Alumni Award and the 2006 Energizer “Keep Going” Hall of Fame inductee. He shares this award with baseball great, Cal Ripken, Jr.John’s professional focus as an international speaker began with the writing,release and poignant response from his parents’ book, Overwhelming Odds. Because of this book, John felt compelled to embrace his past, rise above his fears and share his message with others. He began speaking in 2005 to a total of eight organizations. In 2008, he partnered with over 140 different groups, in 30 different states, and four countries. The tremendous growth is the result of a commitment to truly partnering with clients in making their meetings, conferences and retreats a life-changing experience for their members.He considers his greatest success to be his marriage to his wife, Beth, his time with their three little boys, and the relationships they enjoy with family and friend."
I am going to begin reading it now, let me know your thoughts if you pick up a copy!
My Family lost our home because of a fire that destroyed our home. My family was trapped inside our bedrooms as we slept. With a sudden awakening, my family was fighting for our lives to escape the ruins of our home.. My husband and I, with my 15 month old daughter in my arms, escaped through our bedroom window. My son who was trapped in an upstairs bedroom jumped out the 2 story window with his life. We almost died in this fire. My son who was 15 at the time, was burned, 80% of his body. He spent a month in the hospital and many months of therapy. With my son still in bandages my family and I went to a burn retreat. We were supposed to have a guest speaker. That speaker was to be John O’Leary. Unfortunately we were unable to meet John; he was in the hospital with some complications. We did however see Johns seminar on a video. We were also given a wonderful gift. A book John's parents wrote. About a family and what happened to their little boy. When my family returned home I read this book, "Overwhelming Odds". I cried. This book hit home. Everything that we were going through these parents knew. Losing their home, almost losing their son, the reaching out from the community, and especially the Catholic faith. It was so personal. I felt the need to call the O’Leary’s, and I did. I spoke with Denny, John’s father. It lightened me.. I only wished I could have met John, that day. This book helped me, as a mom, to deal with my family’s loss, pain and faith. What an inspiration.....
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