UnabASHed by Disability

By Ashley M. McGrath

During her first three months, Ashley McGrath's parents were told, "Ashley might not live to see her first birthday; if she does, she may be mentally challenged." They were advised to take her home and love her, which they did. But Ashley proved that she is a survivor. Unable to walk due to a rare genetic disorder, Ashley uses a wheelchair, but that hasn't stopped her from trying out for "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" or competing in the World Series of Poker.Ashley couldn't talk until age five due to a birth defect. Five years later, she won her first public speaking competition. At thirteen, Ashley became one of the youngest lectors at her church. Later, she spoke at her college graduation.Despite fifteen childhood surgeries, Ashley went from special education to the gifted program in her elementary school. She missed seventh grade because of three operations and months of physical rehabilitation, but she returned to school with passion, excelling in her studies and extracurricular activities. She participated in Science Research, the Spelling Bee, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, and the school newspaper.During her extraordinary childhood, Ashley was kissed by exercise guru Richard Simmons. She shook hands with former Florida governor Jeb Bush and met talk show host Rosie O'Donnell. Ashley was her high school's prom queen and received standing ovations at her high school and college graduations. Ashley's personal convictions led her to donate her hair to Locks of Love, and her academic achievements allowed her to obtain a Master's degree from the second-largest university in the U.S."UnabASHed by Disability" also contains information about campomelic syndrome, a genetic disorder. The foreword features the two medical geneticists who conducted research and named the disorder."UnabASHed by Disability" is the autobiography of a remarkable woman who learned how to live with her handicaps, overcome obstacles, and achieve goals. Ashley is honest in her description of her battle with depression and the challenges of growing up in a wheelchair. Her message is one of hope and encouragement for both the able-bodied and those with disabilities.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0692295038
• ISBN13: 9780692295038
• Release Date: July 2014
• Publisher: Faith's Loom Books
• Length: 122 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.3" x 6.0"