About the Book
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Raising Hope
Raising Hope is a story of a mother’s unending love for her second child, named Hope, who was born with a rare genetic syndrome called Wolf-Hirschhorn, and came into this world to teach others about what unconditional love really means and how that needs to be protected in our world. It details the struggles Hope’s mother faces dealing with a governmental healthcare system that offers extensive financial support for foster families willing to take in children with disabilities, while leaving biological parents almost completely on their own to deal with nearly insurmountable financial pressures. Adding to her challenges, Hope’s mother has to deal with alcoholism and abuse in her failing marriage, her subsequent divorce, custody issues regarding Hope and her two siblings, and eventual parental alienation, and somehow come out the other side … still fighting to ensure that her daughter is happy and supported, despite her disabilities.
This is a story of perseverance, overcoming incredible challenges, and love. It is the story of Raising Hope. Watch the book teaser trailer:
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Book Reviews:
A truly compassionate, and inspirational story of a Mom's unquestionable love for her daughter, Hope, who is born with a rare genetic syndrome.
It is about how Mom's belief in herself, using her resilience and tenacity, she is able to overcome many of the challenges in caring for her daughter. This, despite a lack of support from her family, and the discovery of a provincial system of family services that seems weighted in favour of "out of home care" vs. providing birth parents the resources needed, Mom, continues to fight for what is right! A very good read.
Duncan M.
It is about how Mom's belief in herself, using her resilience and tenacity, she is able to overcome many of the challenges in caring for her daughter. This, despite a lack of support from her family, and the discovery of a provincial system of family services that seems weighted in favour of "out of home care" vs. providing birth parents the resources needed, Mom, continues to fight for what is right! A very good read.
Duncan M.
Raising Hope is about the struggle of a very brave woman who will not take no for an answer. In life people are “dealt a hand of cards”. Some people are dealt one or two jokers in their hand which represent challenging things that one must cope with in life. Kim Parke, the book’s author, has no option but to manage many jokers thrown at her in her life. Three children, including one with a disability, an alcoholic husband, an unsupportive extended family, a career and a broken government support system. Strength, love, kindness and determination are a few of the traits that the author uses to make the best of a very difficult and challenging life.
Trevor P.
Trevor P.
Awesome … finished book #1 for the holiday season! Raising Hope is one of the best motivational and inspirational books I have read in a while … thank you Kim! The shear strength of Kim’s willpower, perseverance, strength of overcoming challenges is mind boggling … I am in awe! Brings to mind …”you never know what kind of world a person you meet are experiencing when you look into their eyes”! Always be kind …. It’s the least that you can do! Raising Hope is a must read! Kim, thank you for sharing!
Orest S.
Raising Hope is a beautifully written book.
It is a story of resilience, love, courage to do the best for a child with special needs.
Kim also educates the reader .
The journey through government red tape, the health care system, and the reality of the cost of raising a child with special needs
Kim raised hope to shine all the while enduring a marriage ravaged with alcoholism and abuse.
I would recommend this book.
It is truly inspiring.
Gloria B
“Raising Hope” is a well written, compelling account of the dual traumas of both giving birth to a child with a rare disorder, Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, and subsequently discovering not only how little support biological parents get from the government in such situations, but how it even gets to the point of biological parents being directly stymied in being able to provide adequate care for their special needs child. Although the prognosis for a typical child born with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome is a 2 year lifespan, which is devastating news for any parent to hear, through the tremendous love and support given to Hope by her mother, Hope is now in her twenties, having overcome incredible odds in the process. The author’s vision is to use a portion of the proceeds of the sales of “Raising Hope” to fund a support home for Hope, and others like her, so that the type of care that should have been available to Hope throughout her life, but wasn’t, can at least be there for her then. “Raising Hope” is an inspirational story of triumph, and should have the effect of ‘raising hope’ for others facing similarly distressing challenges.”
Randy P
Raising Hope! It’s more then a title. It’s the reality for Kim Parke.
Being a parent is not an easy job as everyone know! Myself, with a child with disabilities, I can totally understand the struggle it is to give the best care and education possible to a child you love more then anything else.
In any given day and in a perfect setting, it’s hard enough. But when the system goes against you it duplicates the problem. Family, friends and programs have to work hand in hand to succeed in the challenging task to help Hope situation.
Raising Hope gives a snapshot how difficult it can be to deal with all layers of our system. There are successes and failures. Nothing is perfect but it’s the duty of all, from families to all institutions to make sure child’s like Hope get the best treatment from all sides. Our society cannot fail any children like Hope. A must-read book!
Dominque D
About the Author
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Kim Parke has taken on countless professional positions over the years, in her efforts to support her family while juggling the time constraints of raising a child with special needs on her own. Most recently, she has created a Ninety-Day Holistic Wellness Coaching Program for anyone who wants to create real and lasting change in their life, using her life experiences and knowledge to help others in need. Paired with the proceeds from this book―which she hopes will shed some light on our government’s need for systemic change, in terms of how biological families of disabled children are treated―she hopes to eventually build a specialized home for Hope, where she can be supported and happy and no longer victimized by a system that just covers the bare minimum of care.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, Kim lives with her nineteen-year-old son, and sees Hope every chance she gets. |
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A note from Kim:
You must believe so deeply in miracles. You must believe that better days are coming for you. Feel this within yourself. No obstacle shall stop your vision. You are too strong to give up to doubt and fears. You must stop letting your own self stop you from your own greatness. The mental chatters, the overthinking, self-judgment Replace it with unwavering faith. Start lifting yourself up from within. Start being your truth; a powerful unstoppable spirit that can overcome any adversity. Reclaim yourself today. Own your truth today. Imagine a better world, a better life, a happier you. You know that’s possible right? Once you accept and claim yourself you’ll start to feel, think, and live differently. You’ll start to be impacted and impact others. You’ll start living in your purpose and flow no matter what you face. You’ll look back soon and just be thankful. Gratitude will fill your life because you know life is all a collection of moments where you’re learning, transforming, transitioning, celebrating, and sharing your creativity. You are greatness and I hope that adds more light into your life today as you read this story of strength, hope and most of all LOVE.
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