Overcoming The Odds

Overcoming the Odds looks closely at the lives of an ethnically diverse group of 505 men and women who were born in 1955 on the Hawaiian island of Kauai and who have been monitored from the prenatal period through early adulthood by psychologists, pediatricians, public health professionals, and social workers. Werner and Smith trace the impact of a variety of biological and psycho-social risk factors and stressful events on the development of these individuals, most of whose parents did not graduate from high school and worked as semiskilled or unskilled laborers. Incorporating vivid case study accounts with statistical analysis, the authors focus on both the vulnerability and the resilience of those who overcame great odds to grow into competent and caring adults. They trace the recovery process through which most of the troubled adolescents in the cohort—those with histories of delinquency, teenage pregnancy, and mental health problems—emerged with improved prospects in their twenties and early thirties. Identifying both the self-righting tendencies that enable high risk children later to adapt successfully to work, marriage, and parenthood, and the conditions under which professional and volunteer care is most beneficial, Werner and Smith offer concrete suggestions for effective intervention policies.

How did the man who was on the verge of retiring just two seasons earlier stay optimistic and rally the Philadelphia Eagles to an astounding Super Bowl win? Here Foles discusses the obstacles that threatened to hold him back, his rediscovery of his love for the game, and the faith that grounded him through it all.

A horrific accident almost tragically ended my life. Read about how I defied the odds and overcame certain death and disability to do the extraordinary. Read how I went from a coma to become an inspiration, from not being able to walk to sprinting against a national track runner, not having the ability to read or write to teaching advanced math and writing essays. That fateful, devastating accident changed my life forever. They said there was no hope for my survival. Medical professionals prepared my parents and fiancé for my imminent death; it was just a matter of time. If I did somehow survive, I would never be the same with the massive brain damage I had sustained. I would likely not remember anyone. I would never walk again or talk again or be independent ever again. I would most likely be connected to medical machines my entire life. My real life story will give you new hope and encouragement. Let me inspire you to be the best you can be.

Jerome Kersey was born in Clarksville, Virginia, which is a small rural community in southside Virginia, and he attended public schools in Mecklenburg County. The thought of playing in the NBA was indeed a dream, requiring a belief beyond the reality of his youth. He became a scholarship athlete at Longwood University, which was just becoming accustomed to "men on campus" for a school that was always known as a state teacher's college. The combination of athletic maturity, great mentors and coaches and a few good breaks provided Jerome Kersey the means of "Overcoming the Odds" to have a legendary career in the NBA. This book shares his story.

In life we all face what appears to be insurmountable odds. There have been many people who have overcome their insurmountable odds but you can't. In this book, you will see that you too can overcome whatever life has dealt you. You will read of many people, with many types of backgrounds and situations that had issues that they were told would never be overcome. People thought that these people would never achieve their goals, but they refused to believe the reports of others and fought to eventually reach what appeared to be insurmountable to them. After reading their stories, you will find you have no excuse to accomplish all you want to do in life. This book will be a constant reminder, "You can do all you set your mind to do"!

A true story of a kid from a small town in Connecticut, bi racial, without his biological father, and becoming the first person from his family to achieve a four-year degree. In addition to that earning a full scholarship in track and cross country at a division one university after many told him it wasn't possible. Through trial and tribulations, he became an executive of a multi-billion-dollar media company and fulfilling his every dream financially. Before losing everything, he worked hard for he found the presence of Jesus Christ and was stripped of all of his material positions plus his wife and family. Beating the Odds represents every human on the planet chasing a dream, fulfilling a dream, and losing it all. Whether you are struck with depression, anxiety, loneliness, or even lost on your journey, understand one thing, God's love is real. Follow the author on his amazing journey finding Jesus.

Reading Disabilities: Beating the Odds answers two critical questions. Does my child have a reading disability? If so, how can I get the services my child needs? Beating the Odds helps parents to identify different kinds of reading disabilities, to evaluate the quality of their child's reading program, to resolve conflicts with the school without sacrificing their child's needs, to monitor the effectiveness of their child's program, and to use federal and state laws to ensure that the school meets their child's needs. The book explains a complex subject in clear, practical terms. Written by two authorities on learning disabilities, it gives parents the knowledge and strategies they need to help their child overcome reading disabilities.