“One day I was walking to the bus and caught an icy patch and wound up face down in the snow. My mother stood true to Dr. Shelsky’s word and with tears in her eyes told me to “Get up. Your bus is here.” She would have obviously helped me if I was hurt, but the early message to me was also clear; I was going to learn to fend for myself...”
 
Dr. Stephen Danzig's tenth book is by far his most personal to date. “Get Up, Your Bus Is Here” Living MY Life With Cerebral Palsy: Trials, Tribulations and Triumphs chronicles his life growing up with Cerebral Palsy and details his successes as well as his struggles. He candidly talks about additional challenges brought on by Kienbock's Disease and the two wrist fusion surgeries that followed. Battles with obsessive-compulsive tendencies are also brought to the forefront.  Dantzig talks about his parents and their influence on his independence, modifications needed in his early days in elementary school and follows his educational career through earning his doctorate in psychology from Rutgers University. He details his development and life lessons learned as a school psychologist working with severely disabled children, professional photographer, and author.  He talks about living with a ghost in New York, life in Los Angeles, and his big move to Hawaii. Dantzig relates his experiences on skis, the softball field, a surfboard, and under water with SCUBA gear.  His stories are often poignant with subtle humor. His struggles are discussed in a matter-of-fact way that denounces self-pity while his triumphs are talked about with humility. Dantzig provides resources and references for anyone looking for more information on the many topics discussed. 30% of all proceeds will go to United Cerebral Palsy of Eastern Connecticut. Purchase the book today by clicking the link below.

Click here to order the book and visit Stephen Dantzig's site.

You can't miss it!  As soon as one enters the Hygienic Art Gallery in New London, they are captured by the Art of UCP clients.  To the right of the front entrance, splashes of blue, green, pink, yellow, and orange speak of the importance of their wheelchair to our clients.  "These wheels work like feet.  I can GO," states the boldest print.  "I am happy Monday through Friday and Saturday and Sunday too," exclaims another.  According to a volunteer at the Hygienic, people have been captivated by the piece.  

The piece is part of the Salon des Independents exhibit and will be on display until 6pm on February 11th.  Stop by and see the world through the eyes of UCP's Quaker Hill Day Program clients.  Bring an open mind, because as the painting enlightens, "Preconceived notions are the locks on the doors to wisdom."