Hilary, The Brave World of Hilary Pole — Dorothy Clarke Wilson

A compelling biography of a Britishâ€"born young lady who in 1961, at the age of twenty-three, contracted a rare nerve disease (myasthenia gravis) which eventually left her unable to move any body part, except for slight movements in her big toes. To most, she presented a hopeless case, but not to Hilary and not to a young medical researcher who designed a novel communication system featuring an electric typewriter and other sensitive electronics which allowed Hilary to not only to communicate with the outside world, but to control other elements of her life such as the ability to turn on and off a radio. Hilary was soon able to connect with visitors, caregivers and family, hold meetings, plan outings, and compose beautiful and emotionally inspiring poetry just to mention some of her accomplishments! Her family and friends were astonished to find one of the bravest persons that anyone could ever imagine -- an individual with a remarkable mind and an awe-inspiring, unbroken spirit. Hilary chronicles her life from early childhood through her teenage years, through college and a few romances along the way until the diagnosis. Her extraordinary journey during the course of this frightening and disabling disease is presented as a testament to an indomitable and uplifting spirit.