A Life of Triumph: How a Girl with Cerebral Palsy Beat the Odds to Achieve Success

A Life of Inspiration and Hope

Karen A. Gorr was born in 1937 and developed debilitating physical challenges shortly thereafter due to a prolonged illness. Her mother was a single parent with another disabled child and no familial support. When her mother became ill, she placed her children in an institution for the "feeble-minded" since no other facilities stepped up to help. Karen spent 10 years of her childhood there, and she constantly longed to escape the abuse, isolation, hunger, and neglect.

A Life of Triumph is Ms. Gorr's story of how her own determination, grit, stubbornness, and a sense of humor - and the help of friends and professionals - enabled her to find a life beyond an institution. She shares her transformation from a "limp rag doll" into a scholarship student, teacher, public speaker, board member, and advocate for those with mental and physical disabilities. Along the way, Ms. Gorr learns to forgive those who caused her so much suffering, and she's blessed with what she calls the "ultimate gift" - her own perfect daughter who has made the whole journey worthwhile.

Author: Duane Hickler, Karen a. Gorr
Publisher: Cash Nickerson Media, Incorporated
Published: 09/20/2016
Pages: 110
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.28lbs
Size: 7.99h x 5.00w x 0.26d
ISBN13: 9780989800990
ISBN10: 0989800997
BISAC Categories:
- Biography & Autobiography | People with Disabilities

About the Author

About the Author

At 6 months old, Karen was stricken with rickets which her mother believed at the time left her afflicted with Cerebral Palsy, caused by the very high fever she endured. At three years old, Karen and her five year old brother were admitted to an institution. Karen's brother died in the institution from pneumonia.

Ten years later, Karen's mom took her to live with her in Pierre, SD, where she learned to walk, started school at age 13 in the 3rd grade, and completed high school in 1959. She entered Northern State College's Special Education Program, completing two internships: Mentally Handicapped and Physically Handicapped. She then completed Student Teaching. She went on to teach for 20 years at the high school level.

About the Collaborator

Duane Hickler received his education at Litchfield High School in Litchfield, Minnesota and Olivet Nazarene College in Kankakee, Illinois. He farmed for 25 years and then became a district sales manager for an agricultural company. Writing is now one of the major passions of his life.

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