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Live While You Can: A Memoir of Faith, Hope and the Power of Acceptance
Fr Tony Coote was just fifty-three years old in February 2018 when he was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease. Just a few short months later, he found himself confined to a wheelchair. But rather than succumbing to the darkness that threatened to overwhelm him in the days after his diagnosis, he drew on his powerful faith and unwavering belief in life and found a way to light, hope and acceptance.
From growing up in Fairview, to serving in the dioceses in Ballymun and later Mount Merrion and Kilmacud, and his charity work while in UCD, Fr Tony takes us on the journey of his life and shows us how, through this devastating illness, he came to know the true meaning and nature of God's love.
Sadly, Tony passed away on the 28 August 2019 but his memoir and his message of hope, strength and unwavering faith live on.
'Our lives will never be measured in words spoken or success achieved but rather how we live and how our life has affected those around us.' Fr Tony Coote
From growing up in Fairview, to serving in the dioceses in Ballymun and later Mount Merrion and Kilmacud, and his charity work while in UCD, Fr Tony takes us on the journey of his life and shows us how, through this devastating illness, he came to know the true meaning and nature of God's love.
Sadly, Tony passed away on the 28 August 2019 but his memoir and his message of hope, strength and unwavering faith live on.
'Our lives will never be measured in words spoken or success achieved but rather how we live and how our life has affected those around us.' Fr Tony Coote
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 7, 2019
Good book about a horrible condition accepted with grace, humour and humility. Inspiring.
June 12, 2020
It is just if you’re not a religious person, all the bible quotes and references will make you rate it as a 3 -3.5 stars book. Apart from that, a good read about incredible attitude fighting a tough disease
November 6, 2022
Fr. Tony Coote is an Irish priest who is diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease. His faith never wavers as his body stops working. What an incredible man, even with a debilitating disease he plans a fundraiser to raise money for MND.
June 23, 2020
An interesting read- at times, emotional, at times humorous and overall an excellent read.
May 1, 2020
A wonderful book written by someone who could have changed the world for the better. I am sure he has done so for the lives he touched, both in person and through this memoir.
Fr Tony had a refreshing view on life, one that he never wavered from, regardless of the cross he was to bear in his last months. Sharing his life story between these covers in the hope of reaching others, rather than being overwhelmed by his diagnosis, goes to show the kind of man he was.
His approach to life and the three pillars that influenced his preaching are inspiring, and applicable to life whether you are part of a church or not.
Definitely recommend this book to all.
Fr Tony had a refreshing view on life, one that he never wavered from, regardless of the cross he was to bear in his last months. Sharing his life story between these covers in the hope of reaching others, rather than being overwhelmed by his diagnosis, goes to show the kind of man he was.
His approach to life and the three pillars that influenced his preaching are inspiring, and applicable to life whether you are part of a church or not.
Definitely recommend this book to all.
June 19, 2019
A wonderful book about a wonderful individual...heartbreaking, yet inspiring...
June 14, 2019
Very easy to read, this is an account of Tony Coote's life from humble beginnings via the seminary to his life as an ordained priest, interrupted by the diagnosis of motor neurone disease and how he has faced up to the inevitable consequences. I don't share his deep faith but I would still recommend this book = especially as it benefits the Walk while you Can foundation which funds more nurses for those living with this terrible condition.
October 1, 2019
Stunning, both emotional, funny, honest read. Shocking disease held with the upmost strength
I had the pleasure of meeting Fr. Tony Coote who was an exceptional, strong, humorous lovely man who during our short visit and chat left his mark with me.
I throughly enjoyed this sad but yet honest and somewhat humorous read.
RIP my dear lovely friend. You were one on a million. Your hard work &, dedicated will live on walk while you can X ❤
I had the pleasure of meeting Fr. Tony Coote who was an exceptional, strong, humorous lovely man who during our short visit and chat left his mark with me.
I throughly enjoyed this sad but yet honest and somewhat humorous read.
RIP my dear lovely friend. You were one on a million. Your hard work &, dedicated will live on walk while you can X ❤
September 26, 2019
What an inspirational man Father Tony was. He was a wonderful priest who gave his life to God and his parishioners.
His life was cut short by motor neuron disease. This book tells his story through his own words. A humble man who held on to his faith under the toughest circumstances.
His life was cut short by motor neuron disease. This book tells his story through his own words. A humble man who held on to his faith under the toughest circumstances.
May 11, 2019
An honest book by a Dublin priest living with a recent diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease. Rather than sit back and understandably withdraw from the world Fr. Tony has used his diagnosis to raise awareness about the disease and funds for both increased support for Irish sufferers and research into the disease.
What is apparent from the book is his strong Christian faith. Throughout the book he describes the progression of the disease and how it is affecting his life without any self-pity. If anything it seems to make him more convinced of his faith in Jesus Christ.
There are a few minor quibbles I'd have with Fr. Tony over some of the issues he raises as a priest in the 21st century, such as wearing clerical attire of which he roundly disapproves, but on the whole it is an antidote to the fatalistic nihilism of similar books like 'The Diving Bell And The Butterfly'.
What is apparent from the book is his strong Christian faith. Throughout the book he describes the progression of the disease and how it is affecting his life without any self-pity. If anything it seems to make him more convinced of his faith in Jesus Christ.
There are a few minor quibbles I'd have with Fr. Tony over some of the issues he raises as a priest in the 21st century, such as wearing clerical attire of which he roundly disapproves, but on the whole it is an antidote to the fatalistic nihilism of similar books like 'The Diving Bell And The Butterfly'.
May 24, 2019
Uplifting and hopeful
Fr Tony, rather than giving in to his condition, sees the positive. He recognizes the kindness and compassion of others.
Fr Tony, rather than giving in to his condition, sees the positive. He recognizes the kindness and compassion of others.
May 30, 2019
A beautiful honest recount of a life and of facing immense challenge with positive spirit.
June 29, 2019
Simple, sincere memoir of a life well lived. Beautiful.
December 20, 2023
Sometimes you need a read to confirm that what really matters is hope , faith and the love for life and others …
April 29, 2024
Really inspiring acceptance of his illness with faith, trust and simplicity. Powerful achievement of determination to make a difference even in the midst of progression of motor neuron disease.
May 28, 2020
A wonderful honest young man's story who also happens to be a courageous generous kind Priest .
An insight to the struggle and truths of an incurable disease . I so enjoyed this book, and learned of the lovely person Tony Coote was.
An insight to the struggle and truths of an incurable disease . I so enjoyed this book, and learned of the lovely person Tony Coote was.
August 25, 2024
A moving and inspiring book,
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews