LONGWOOD, FL-After 20 years, author Pat Lingenfelter reconnected with her severely handicapped brother, Raymond, when he became gravely ill. Her family was thrown into turmoil when the healthcare professionals could do nothing to help Raymond recover, yet were unable to follow through with the family's wishes to carry out ethical medical treatment. Despite all this, the family stayed by Raymond's side and tended to his simple wants-someone to hold his hand when he was scared and in pain. Raymond, in turn, taught Pat lessons that changed her life forever. For Raymond: A Sister's Memoir (paperback, 978-1-60266-764-8) is Lingenfelter's poignant memoir of unconditional love, loyalty, and faith.
Says the author, "My brother and family were trapped in a hellish scenario that no one should have to endure, because of the most modern of medical procedures and the laws governing the withdrawal of life-sustaining medical treatment. Hopefully, if enough people read about my brother's plight, the severely handicapped will be treated more humanely."
In addition to sharing her story, Lingenfelter advocates for legislation to establish procedures for making healthcare decisions on behalf of all incapacitated adults in New York State. "I hope people will realize there is a purpose for everyone on earth, even severely mentally and physically handicapped people like my brother," says the author. "No one should be swept aside like my brother was by those who had the power to make a difference in his plight."
Pat Lingenfelter was born in New York State, where she still resides with her husband and son.
Xulon Press, a part of Salem Communications Corporation, is the world's largest Christian publisher, with more than 3,900 titles published to date. Retailers may order For Raymond through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors. Salem Communications is the country's leading Christian communications company with interests in radio, Internet, and magazine publishing.
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2007