By 

Niki Collins-queen, Author “author” (Forsyth, Georgia USA) –

  

Ellen Rogers inspiring memoir “Kasey to the Rescue: the Remarkable Story of a Monkey and a Miracle” illustrates the amazing healing effects of Kasey, an adorable, fun-loving capuchin, on her son Ned who was left a quadriplegic with a brain injury after a car accident in his early 20s. Although the doctors believed Ed had no chance of survival and his recovery was long and discouraging Ellen, the main caregiver, persevered.
Ellen, a single mother of five who lost both her husband and stepdaughter to cancer, credits Kasey for turning things around. Kasey is a specially trained service animal given free of charge to recipients by Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled. Her good-natured, playful and loving personality helped Ned gain some of his independence, worked magic on the family’s fallen spirits and helped them see the world in a new way. Ellen wrote, “The world was her oyster; everything was out there for the taking. The way she delighted in exploring the simplest things – new toys, a dollop of humus, a package to unwrap – she kept us mindful of how wonderful the world is when we maintain a monkey’s-eye view.” Ed, Ellen and Kasey were invited to share their story at the Boston Celtic’s “Heroes Among Us” program to honor Helping Hands. Ellen said the audience was completely charmed by Ned and Kasey. “The human-animal bond is so basic – so primal – people are instantly smitten the moment they see the two together.”
Although Ed says he felt like he’s fallen off a giant cliff and plummeted into the deep, dark canyon – he couldn’t breathe, talk or move and wanted to give up he feels lucky today. He says if he hadn’t had the accident he wouldn’t have gotten Kasey and his life would have been boring, pain-ridden and purposeless. Since Kasey came along he’s regained some of his old perspective. Kasey is like medicine, or a booster shot against depression and loneliness. Watching her play lifts his spirits and there’s nothing like her warm, soft cheek pressed against his to take his mind off his problems. She snuggles with him in a way that comforts him, helps him forget any pain or pessimism. She feeds his soul.
Although caring for Ed and Kasey is hard work Ellen echoes Ned’s sentiments. Whenever she sees Kasey on Ned’s shoulder she feels moved by the extraordinary bond of friendship that has evolved between them. She said, “Somehow this funny little creature restored our courage and rescued our joy.”
This extraordinary memoir is told with warmth, heart and humor.

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