Karen (1952)

Great book about a family dealing with a cerebral palsy child

The story of a girl born in the 1940's with cerebral palsy. Written by her mother, the story opens with the parents' expectant joy in their new baby, slowly being replaced by uneasiness and anxiety as she never moves. Does not wave her arms, crawl, babble, etc. Soon they receive a diagnosis, and an idea of what it will mean: their daughter may never walk, talk, be able to care for herself. Karen's family did not tamely accept that verdict. Relentlessly they took her to doctors and specialists, searching for something that could be done. Their family worked into their daily life physical therapy routines for Karen, and at the same time taught her to be independent and self-reliant in spirit, even as her physical handicap made every little task a struggle. Her family's indomitable faith and determination are very inspiring. She made progress beyond what any of the doctors thought could be achieved, and her parents became active in organizing for and helping other families with CP children. More than just an inspiring story, this is a warm tale of family life, the writing flows easily and is full of life and humor. It's such a wonderful book to read.

from the DogEar Diary ( )

Sequel: With love from Karen. ( )

This book about a family's groundbreaking efforts to win recognition of the humanity of people with cerebral palsy was enormously popular in its day (it was first published in the early 1950s). One reason is the character of the author's daughter, the Karen of the title, but the book is also well-written.
The 1940s, when the action mostly takes place, is another world. Everyone smokes--even the doctors offer the parents a cigarette as they sit down for consultation. The mom has more than one low-birth-weight baby, and another of her daughters suffers from both rheumatic fever and tuberculosis, but this was before connections to smoking had been made. She also easily assumes her role as wife and mother in the traditional sense. It was a time when mass mailings for the nascent CP organization had to be written with carbon copies and the local police could be called upon in a pinch to help deliver them to the post office when the parents fell sick. ( )

This book had a major impact on me growing up. I read it many times over. This is the fascinating true story of Marie Killilea, mother of Karen Killilea, a child with cerebral palsy growing up in the 1950's. All the challanges and the joys experienced by this family are heartwarming and moving with every re-read. ( )