Voices of Hope - Coping with Muscular Dystrophy in Mauritius
Written by Philip Wan and published in April 2008.
Cost of Rs 300 per copy. The proceeds will go to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
Available at the MDA Office
"My eyes were filled with tears..."
Voices of Hope is a candid and heart-rending conversation with boys affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare and fatal disease. The boys' words reveal their innocence, courage, perseverance and hope. Their parents' dedication, unwavering love and inner strength shine through. The book challenges individuals and institutions to act upon and respond to their needs.
The proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Mauritius.
Reviews of Voices of Hope:
"A testimony to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of great adversity, it is a book that every Mauritian should read ... to discover the inner depth of the souls of boys with muscular dystrophy ... and hopefully to bring them comfort through simple acts of love."
- Iqbal Kalla, Le Mauricien
"Very well written, with simple but powerful words echoing hope, despair ... joy and agony just flow through the pages touching the reader deeply ... and hopefully bringing about a new approach to help those in distress."
- Clifford Colimalay, La Sentinelle
"My eyes were filled with tears going through your book. A magnificent work to create awareness among people about the disease and the difficulties inherent to it."
- Amal Badal, founder of Muscular Dystrophy Association
"While reading the book, I realize how fortunate I am to be able to walk. Everything happens for a reason. There is a Divine Touch in it where God has chosen you as His instrument to write this book ... not only to learn about Muscular Dystrophy but to discover the real meaning of life ... A best ever gift to the muscular dystrophy patients."
- Soodesh K. Patroo, President, Muscular Dystrophy Association
"There is great merit to devote time and energy, no let me re-phrase that ... to devote love, in producing a book about those unfortunate people who suffer from muscular dystrophy. Let me re-phrase that too, a book about those blessed children of God who have invaluable lessons to teach the rest of us! A job beautifully done!"
- Michael Atchia, past Programme Director, United Nations
"By the simplicity of his style and language, the author has demystified Muscular Dystrophy. Written with passion and deep sensibility, the book invites the boys to express their inner feelings ... adds a human dimension to the parents' deep sense of despair and their selfless love for their children. Without pointing any fingers, the book appeals to the various stakeholders to address the plight of the victims urgently and effectively."
- Danièle Babooram, La Vie Catholique
"An inspiring book from which the reader can draw beautiful life lessons. It is a wonderful tribute to life and to the courage of people who rise above their pains and sufferings. The author depicts with heart-felt emotion the real experiences, painful and yet courageous, of people facing the extreme."
- Trishla Dhunnoo, Psychotherapist
About the Author
Philip Wan is a graduate of Imperial College, London, and has travelled widely. He has visited some 44 countries, and worked in 16 of them. He spent the last 22 years of his professional life with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) working for the well-being and advancement of children. Recently retired, he spends his time on social work, golf, listening to music and family life. He has a son, Christopher, a daughter, Nathalie, and three grand-children. He lives with his wife Danielle.