Library Tour & DLC Volunteer Written Books
|
2010
In April and June of 2010, the Panza family will tour the Westbrook, New London, Old Lyme and East Lyme public libraries to read passages from "Heatfelt" and sign books.
|
Heartfelt
A Journey Through Transplantation
By Joseph Panza
Overview
Heartfelt, is an intimate look at love through the eyes of a man who is forced to ponder losing the love of his life. It is through the medical miracle of heart transplantation that he is spared that eternal pain and his beloved wife, Jean, is saved by the grace and heroic gesture of an unknown family.
Experience first-hand heart transplantation. This is the remarkable, moving true story of two families brought together through tragedy and triumph. One loses a family member; one regains a life. See how it happens, as it happens. Be there bedside, through the waiting, through the wondering as Joe brings you through the days, weeks and months leading up to and following Jean's transplant. Learn how circumstances beyond anyone's direct control come to intersect, changing forever all those who experience it from their own perspectives spoken in first person language.
See too how life connects us in ways never imagined. This book reminds us that we are never really alone. We always have others. We simply have to have faith, hope and love--with them, we can make it through anything.
This book can be purchased through:
|
2009
During the months of April and June of 2009, in collaboration with the American Heart Association and the Kasprzak family, Donate Life Connecticut toured the New London, Westbrook, Niantic and Guilford public libraries to educate residents about organ and tissue donation. There where readings of passages from "Plain Vanilla with Rainbow Sprinkles - An Inspirational Story of Faith, Hope and Love” and book signings by the authors (Tom and Joanne Kasprzak).
|
A portion of the proceeds from book sales have been generously donated by the Kasprzaks to Donate Life Connecticut.
Thank you Tom and Joanne!
|
Plain Vanilla with Rainbow Sprinkles
An Inspirational Story of Faith, Hope and Love
By Tom P. Kasprzak with Joanne M. Kasprzak
Overview
Mary Kasprzak (1988–2003) was an amazing youngster and an inspiration to hundreds of people with whom she interacted. In Plain Vanilla with Rainbow Sprinkles, her father, Tom, brings Mary’s inspiration to you. This heart-wrenching, incredible journey chronicles how Mary’s family and friends were strengthened and motivated to more fully understand the importance of every life, regardless of the labels we apply to one another.
Mary Kasprzak was born with Down syndrome. Initially, her parents battled a multitude of perplexities and fears that spun through their minds like a hamster on a wheel. Defying all the predictions and labels—both cultural and medical—Mary transformed everyone she touched with her innocence, unconditional love, humor and ability to forgive. Through her daily unassuming deeds of kindness and compassion, Mary became the greatest of all teachers.
Mary’s life, punctuated by miracles and her death, surrounded by mystical events, served to strengthen her parents’ faith. Mary added a final exclamation point to her life by saving the lives of five other people through organ donation. Her father’s intimate portrait of faith, love and compassion, accompanied by an epilogue from the woman who received Mary’s heart, will motivate you to see the world differently.
This book can be purchased through:
|
|
