Testimonials

Dana's Legacy is more than personal testimony, it's a valuable resource for anyone faced with the priviledge of having a child with disabilities. The reader will want to begin with the last chapter, but it takes the story from the beginning to understand the need for an organization like K.I.T. God gives us the blessing of our children and has blessed us with K.I.T.

Dan Ramey
Morning Show Host-Programming-Cavalier Sports
Clear Channel Chillicothe

Dana's Legacy: From Heartbreak to Healing: Strengthening Families of Children with Disabilities is a must-read for any parent dealing with a child disability. Gayle Slate has crafted a heart-warming tale of a journey in which she, and we, learns a child's value and ability to bring joy to a family is not dependent on, or limited by health. Gayle's emotional roller coaster ride lets new parents know what to do (find a support group immediately) and what not to do (use all your energy trying to find a cure) and offers the peace of mind that can only come with the realization that their life is not over, but that a new and meaningful chapter has just begun.

Rick Shepard
Forever Broadcasting
Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Gayle State's book, Dana's Legacy: From Heartbreak to Healing is an incredible story of how through her pain and adversity, she transformed and enriched the lives of so many. This book is a must read even if you do not have a child with disabilities because it connects us all with the realization that even from tragedy, we CAN find hope and a future.

Brenda Murphy
Radio Host of "The Idea Exchange" on WBEV AM 1430
Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

As a mother of a 37 year old with severe developmental disabilities, I found many of your experiences and emotions resonated with mine during Danny's early years. I couldn't put your powerful, moving book down as you led me through those memories. Fortunately, like you, I have seen progress in education and medicine in the decades since our children were born. I agree with you that the catalyst for many of the positive changes has been the families.

Your book delineates the impact you have made both with individual families and with our society as a whole. Our children have been the inspiration and motivation for these advances. Both KIT and the Friendship Circle are moving our communities towards a time when people with special needs and their families will experience acceptance, inclusion and friendship as contributing members of society; towards a future where they never again have to suffer the social isolation that has often been so prevalent in society.

Thank you for your inspiring, readable book which reminds all of us of how much progress we have made and how much one determined individual can accomplish.

Elisheva Green
Executive Director
Friendship Circle of SD, CA

Gayle Slate's moving and courageous book, speaks with a clear voice to those of us who care for a child with special needs. The description of her journey is a description or our journey. Her remarkable life is an inspiration for our lives.

Moisés Barón, Ph.D.
Assistant Vice President Student Wellness,
University of San Diego
Parent of a son with autism

DANA'S LEGACY is a straight-forward, educational read that everyone should put on their list of reading priorities. Whether you have a child with disabilities or not, the understanding is crucial for everyone. There is hope; that is proven in Gayle's book.

Tron Simpson

Usually when we get older we often see or hear of something that is happening and we say with some envy and relish, "Oh, to be young again!" In the case of Gayle Slate's young years, one could say not only, "No Way" but also, "I am glad that is/was not me!" In the opening pages of Gayle Slate's moving and compelling story of DANA'S LEGACY, From Heartbreak to Healing, it is a testament to her courage, strength, and humor that she not only coped with a serious back problem, but then gave birth to a disabled child. And she had only reached the age of 20! What a testament to a wonderful story of courage and eventual healing.

When Dana was born there was not the understanding and services available to children who had disabilities, thus families suffered in silence or had to fight for their children's care and understanding. And Gayle so vividly tells this story with the same love and care she and her husband were able to provide to Dana.

Anyone who has the opportunity to read and savor this book will be touched forever by the devotion and decisions that Gayle and her husband have made on the efforts of disabled children.

Dr. Corrine L. Hatton, RN, Ph.D.
Psychoanalyst and Consultant, Private Practice
West Los Angeles, California

Gayle Slate has written a book that should be mandatory reading for physicians, therapists, teachers, counselors and professionals of all types who serve the needs of children with disabilities. It tells the story of the heartaches, pain and struggles, as well as the joy and growth of the child's parent who is so often forgotten in the mix. From her experience as a mother and later as a therapist for parents of children with disabilities, she is able to provide insight into the critically important role of the family in maximizing growth and development despite disability. Her daughter's legacy, and Gayle's passion, is promoting the concept of inclusion so that children, both with and without disabilites, and their parents can grow by maximizing their gifts rather than focusing on disabilities.

Paul Hammer, MD
Captain, Medical Corps, USN
Director
Naval Center for Combat & Operational Stress Control
Parent of a son with cerebral palsy

The author, Gayle Slate, writes of a heartrenching tragedy that would destroy most families. She turned her darkest hour into something that has not only changed and educated the eyes of the world for those striken with the same tragedy, but for all of us. "Dana's Legacy" will touch your heart and perhaps cause you to consider your own possibilities for creating miracles. I found it sensitive, moving and motivational.

Diane C.

Dana's Legacy is a treasure, not only for those associated with disability, but for people searching for a life of fulfillment and purpose. The author describes with sensitivity and meaning how life can go on with hope and healing after a tragedy has occurred and how goodness and usefulness can follow. This book is an education in life's ups and downs and is a tribute to the power and productivity of the human spirit as lived by the author, Gayle Slate.

Lillian G.