In 'Eyes to the Wind', Ady Barkan shares his gripping journey of resilience as he confronts a terminal illness while advocating for social justice. With raw honesty, he illustrates how the depths of his struggle inspire a broader fight for healthcare reform. Through heartfelt letters and poignant reflections, Barkan invites readers to witness the intersection of personal and political battles. The narrative challenges us to rethink our priorities and advocate fiercely for the lives of others. Can one voice truly change the world, even in the face of unimaginable odds?
By Ady Barkan
Published: 2019
"In the face of unimaginable darkness, we find the strength to demand our place in the light."
In this inspirational and moving memoir—reminiscent of When Breath Becomes Air and The Bright Hour—activist Ady Barkan explores his life with ALS and how his diagnosis gave him a profound new understanding of his commitment to social justice for all. Ady Barkan loved taking afternoon runs on the California coast and holding his newborn son, Carl. But one day, he noticed a troubling weakness in his hand. At first, he brushed it off as carpal tunnel syndrome, but after a week of neurological exams and two MRIs, he learned the cause of the problem: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. At age 32, Ady was given just three to four years to live. Yet despite the devastating diagnosis, he refused to let his remaining days go to waste. Eyes to the Wind is a rousing memoir featuring intertwining storylines about determination, perseverance, and how to live a life filled with purpose and intention. The first traces Ady’s battle with ALS: how he turned the initial shock and panic from his diagnosis into a renewed commitment to social justice—not despite his disability but because of it. The second, told in flashbacks, illustrates Ady’s journey from a goofy political nerd to a prominent figure in the enduring fight for equity and justice who is “willing to give [his] last breath to save our democracy” (CNN). From one of today’s most vocal advocates for social justice, Eyes to the Wind is an evocative and unforgettable memoir about activism, dedication, love, and hope.
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“In the face of unimaginable darkness, we find the strength to demand our place in the light.”
Eyes to the Wind
By Ady Barkan
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Ady Barkan is a prominent author, advocate, and public speaker known for his poignant writing on social justice, healthcare, and personal stories of resilience. His notable works include 'Eyes to the Wind', which chronicles his journey living with ALS and fighting for universal healthcare in the United States. Barkan's writing is characterized by its emotional depth, clarity, and a compelling narrative style that combines personal experience with a broader social message, making his call to action resonate deeply with readers.
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