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Reviews
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Tiny Toes receives a 5-Star and "strongly suggested reading" from Midwest Book Review:
There is a drive within the genetic code of human beings that can be as urgent as the need for food, water, or sleep. It is the urge to procreate. When Kelly Damron and her husband tried to have children in 2001 she had to deal with the problem of infertility. She was finally able to conceive only to have her twin daughters born prematurely in 2004. Then after their troubled birth, Kelly found herself experiencing postpartum depression. She went on to join the march of Dimes as an active volunteer in 2006 and became the co-chair of the Family Teams Committee for the March for Babies (formerly known as WalkAmerica). She was the Mission Family presenter for the March of Dimes WalkAmerica event on May 17, 2007, and has become involved with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, assisting in their Marketing and Events Committees. In "Tiny Toes: A Couple's Journey Through Infertility, Prematurity, And Depression" Kelly candidly records her personal story, drawing upon both her experience and subsequent hard-won expertise. Now the mother of two happy and healthy little girls, Kelly has written "Tiny Toes" for the benefit of the thousands of others who every year must deal with what she's had to cope with -- infertility and premature births, and sometimes a combination of both. Strongly recommended reading, especially for the one in eight couples encountering infertility and the 12.5% of women whose babies are born prematurely, "Tiny Toes" is as informed and informative as it is inspired and inspiring.
-Susan Bethany, Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
www.midwestbookreview.com
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The book is not just about infertility, but a look into how relationships can change and impact a couple when they are faced with adversity. This is a honest, personal story of a couple's struggle to create a family. Damron tackles the effects of infertility, including how it damaged many of her relationships. By exposing her emotional trials and marital struggles, she gives other women the permission to feel angry, sad and hopeless. After conquering infertility, the couple was faced with the premature birth of her twin daughters, and describes in detail the medical and emotional aspects of such as trauma. The story is infused with medical terminology to help the reader learn and understand the technical aspects of infertility and prematurity. By demonstrating how she was able to overcome the depression that was keeping her from her own joy, Damron provides a heartwarming end to her journey and hope for the reader that they, too, can overcome any challenge.
-Joanne Henning Tedesco, Editor of Arizona Networking News
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I was totally unaware that over two million couples in the US each year are faced with infertility. Kelly Damron and her husband were among them. Her book "Tiny Toes" frankly allows the reader into her psyche as she discovers and reacts to the news of their infertility. The reader is taken on a gut wrenching journey as the Damron's investigate their options, decide on in vitro fertilization, select a doctor, go through the agonizingly stressful IVF procedure, succeed in achieving pregnancy, tread the tightrope of disaster as their twins are born ten weeks early and persevere under incredible pressure as the two pound girls battle life threatening physical problems. Kelly falls prey to clinical depression. Her husband, who must be a saint, holds their strained marriage together until counseling and medication help Kelly conquer depression.
The book is extremely well written, shining a light into an area of the human condition that needs illumination. It is a must read for anyone facing infertility, IVF, premature birth or depression. Thanks for taking me on your journey.
-Mark Landsberg, Author of Landsberg's Law; A Journey of Discovery
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Testimonials
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"Kelly writes a simple, easy to read, and informative account of a very complicated life situation. Infertility and premature birth are probably two top life stressing events. You will find tons of information here -- this book is good for the couple going through it, as well as friends and family trying to understand what someone goes through during this trial in their life. Buy two and give one away."
- Dr. Christine Brass-Jones, Center for True Harmony Wellness & Medicine
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I applaud Ms. Damron for writing an incredibly open and honest account of her journey through infertility and prematurity. Not many people would so honestly reveal the fracturing of in-law, family, and marital relationships as the stress and depression of infertility took its toll. Recognizing and being accountable for her own actions in her ensuing emotional battles adds depth and direction for readers experiencing some of the same hardships. I also find it very important for infertile couples to recognize the very real and scary risks that often result from multiple births; perhaps reading her story may convince desperate couples to remain cautious and truly informed when making treatment decisions for their infertility.
- Tina Nelson, RESOLVE’s (National Infertility Association) AZ President, 2006, 2007
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"I have several friends in various stages of IVF and that have delivered premature children. Until this book, I didn't know the internal struggles, day to day struggles, and strength needed within a family. I now have a much better understanding. Read this book so you can be a better person to your child, your friend or co-worker going through these challenges."
- Jennifer Zygmond, Mother of two
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“What a wonderful, insightful book. Kelly and Dave's honesty brought tears to my eyes. I read this book in one day as I couldn't put it down. The detailed explanation of the many procedures helped me fully understand the day to day stress these parents had to endure. The strength of these parents and little girls was truly amazing. The emotional journey coupled with the growth, understanding and gratitude should be applauded! Great sharing and great writing! I wish Dave, Kelly, Kaley and Ashley many years of Good Health, Happiness and Lots of Fun Adventures!”
– Blythe Lipman, Author of Help! My Baby Came Without Instructions!
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“This is an amazing book! A very frank, open, scary, and uplifting look at the highs and lows of infertility, premature birth, marriage troubles, and depression. I know - it sounds like a really hard, depressing read - but it's written with such passion, hope, and honesty that it is truly inspiring! Thanks, Kelly, for being willing to share your most personal challenges and triumphs!”
- Julie Smith-David, MBA Professor
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“Tiny Toes is a very open memoir of this couple's journey to become a family. Any woman who has experienced difficulty with pregnancy will appreciate knowing she is not alone in this emotionally entangled topic. Kelly Damron weaves helpful and eye-opening facts into her story of how her heartfelt journey affected her as a woman, wife and mother. Too often it's a subject couples don't think of addressing until knee-deep in the midst and this book may truly help avoid the feeling of being alone in the battle. Add to this is a chapter by her husband, Dave, which is a helpful glimpse inside the man's perspective. Whether you are a mom of preemies, multiples or in the struggle to arrive at motherhood, you'll find a special understanding here and appreciate Kelly's relating it to you as if you were best friends.”
– Teri Hatfield, mother of identical twins
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“This book was a huge eye opener for me. I realized that infertility is as much a man's problem as it is a woman's. It also gave me a better perspective on the emotional rollercoaster that infertility can be for a woman. Great for guys to read and have a better understanding being ‘in her shoes.’”
– John F. Spriestersbach
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“I read this book cover to cover and even though some of the Damron's experiences I did not have myself (multiples, and needing in vitro), I could relate with the emotional rollercoaster that having a preemie can put not only on the mother but on the father and their relationship as a couple. This is an excellent story and I'm glad it also helps support the March of Dimes to save more babies!! :)”
– Katie Perea, mother of a premature baby
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“I recently read Tiny Toes and found a lot of great technical information on the subjects of infertility and premature birth woven into a pungent story of a couple who had to deal with both of these issues. A must read for any couple looking into and wanting insight into infertility options or the challenges presented by premature births.”
– C. Buzz Nuckols
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“While trying to find her place within a society where healthy babies and natural pregnancies are quite often taken for granted, Damron does an excellent job overcoming her battles with loneliness, depression, and anger. Her struggles with infertility and her fear for her preemies’ lives are written with both emotion and intellect, resulting in a great resource for both families experiencing infertility and prematurity alike.”
- Angie McMahon, March of Dimes Arizona Chapter
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“There were points where I really felt my heart tugged, and truly sensed I was there with you during some of the experiences. This book is your gift to the world. If they allow it to, many women (and men) can definitely benefit from reading your very moving story. It’s been my privilege to work on it!”
– Laura Orsini, Words Made Easy
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“I really enjoyed the book. I like that you added a dad’s perspective as well. It’s always good to see into their wildly different worlds and how they interpret these events.”
- Holly T., mother of a preemie
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“I especially related to the extreme depression you must have felt knowing that you faced this challenge. The pull to have children for women is very, very strong. My daughter has very difficult birthing issues now and reading this part has helped sensitize me more to what she may be feeling.”
– Elleyne K.
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