Elle & Coach: Diabetes, the Fight for My Daughter's Life, and the Dog Who Changed Everything

by Stefany Shaheen, Mark Dagostino Narrated by Stefany Shaheen

Overview

The endearing true story of a Type-A mom struggling to care for a daughter who has Type 1 diabetes--and the incredible service dog who changes their lives for the better.

Stefany Shaheen takes readers on an emotional journey as she tries everything to manage her daughter Elle's deadly and unpredictable disease, all while juggling a family of four children. Overcoming the skepticism that a dog can provide answers that medical science is still seeking, the family finds a resounding sense of peace and reassurance through Coach's near miraculous abilities as a medic-alert dog, specially trained to detect dangerous changes in blood sugar levels. Elle & Coach is a story of determination and finding hope in the most unlikely of places.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"This book will inspire and encourage countless parents and children around the country. I loved it."—Hillary Rodham Clinton

"This book is much more than a heartwarming story about a triumphant little girl and her amazing dog. It's a book about never giving up hope."—Michael J. Fox

"Elle & Coach is a must-read—not just for parents of children with chronic illnesses, but for any parent who's ever wished to make life easier for a child who is struggling with something daunting. As the mom of a son who faced multiple surgeries during his childhood, I was deeply moved by Elle's experiences—and inspired by the beacon of hope that her service dog provides. I have a feeling this book is going to change a lot of lives for the better."—Jodi Picoult

"Discover how this remarkable animal has brought hope and relief to a family in need."—People Magazine

"Coach...has engendered confidence that Elle will live a life based on her dreams not her disease."—The Boston Globe

"Here's to this unstoppable team and inspiring story of survival."—Parents Magazine (Parenting.com)

"In addition to being a great read, the story of Elle & Coach will open eyes to the very real struggle of life with type 1 diabetes, and may well change the conversations we have about how to make lives better while we work toward better treatments and ultimately a cure."—Dean Kamen

"Lassie pales by comparison to this pooch, who sleeps in Elle's bed, accompanies her to school, appears in a play with her, and nudges her or her parents if she needs to check her blood sugar. Parents of kids with special needs will find Shaheen's passionate advocacy informative and inspiring."—Booklist

"This book is about finding hope in the most unlikely of places."—Modern Dog Magazine

"It's a universal story of parental devotion, overcoming adversity and letting go."—New Hampshire Union Leader

Library Journal

08/01/2015
Receiving a diagnosis of diabetes is traumatic for most adults; much more so for a child. New Hampshire-based councilwoman Shaheen tells of the impact that such a diagnosis for her eight-year-old daughter Elle had on their family. Determined to learn all she can about diabetes, the author focuses on discovering ways to find relief from the seemingly endless fear and anxiety that accompanies a chronic illness. Her resolve has borne fruit in that she is the cofounder and CEO of Good Measures, a company that develops online tools and services to help people manage their health. During the family struggle to cope, they uncovered a new and growing recognition of the role dogs play in the detection and monitoring of human health conditions. Enter a medic-alert Labrador retriever named Coach. The bond between Elle and Coach is amazing, and the relief and comfort it provides to both Elle and her family is nothing short of miraculous, giving testament to the benefit and power of the human-animal bond. VERDICT Strongly recommended for its insight into coping with the consequences of diabetes and inspiration to turn a negative for one into a positive for many.—Edell Marie Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., WI

Product Details

BN ID:	2940173573186
Publisher:	Hachette Audio
Publication date:	08/25/2015
Edition description:	Unabridged

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