What I Can Do

by Mary K. Hoodhood, Lisa McNeilley

Mary K. Hoodhood woke up in a hospital bed to find out that she had been in a catastrophic car accident. At 27, she became paralyzed from the chest down. She knew the dream life she thought she was headed toward was not going to be the same, but she vowed to build a life filled with love, laughter, and purpose. Using her ability to focus on the positive instead of what she could no longer do, she started repeating the mantra, "I will focus on what I can do."




Mary K. volunteered for Meals on Wheels at God's Kitchen, got married, helped raise her stepdaughter, took in her teenage nieces and nephew, and maintained lasting friendships. Building on her parents' lessons about service and leadership, she started a nonprofit organization feeding 125 kids. Today, Kid's Food Basket feeds 1.6 million Sack Suppers annually to kids who otherwise might not have nourishment once they leave school.




Journey with her as she faces life's challenges with resilience, hope, and humor.

233 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in awe of this woman and so blessed to read this book. An inspiration! She is speaking my language, for sure.

[Kathy McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lady, Mary K is so inspiring! She’s the founder of Kids Food Basket! It’s a good short easy read for all of us in west Michigan because most have heard of the organization but few learned about her background!

[Lesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful, truthful and enlightening memoir of Mary K. Hoodhood founder of Kids' Food Basket (co-authored by Lisa McNeilley, PhD) and her journey of life after a car accident at the age of 27 paralyzed her from the chest down. This is a book for everyone! Whether you have faced a similar trauma or have had to deal with hard life situations (and who hasn't), her story shows that the power of faith, positivity and a good mental attitude can help you to lead a life filled with joy, love and gratitude. This is not to say that any of it was easy, and as you read her story you will marvel at the accomplishments she has achieved throughout her life, now at the age of 70. This book brought me laughter, tears and joy and so much more respect and admiration for this beautiful woman's journey. Brava Mary K!!!

[Lesa]

A powerful, truthful and enlightening memoir of Mary K. Hoodhood founder of Kids' Food Basket (co-authored by Lisa McNeilley, PhD) and her journey of life after a car accident at the age of 27 paralyzed her from the chest down. This is a book for everyone! Whether you have faced a similar trauma or have had to deal with hard life situations (and who hasn't), her story shows that the power of faith, positivity and a good mental attitude can help you to lead a life filled with joy, love and gratitude. This is not to say that any of it was easy, and as you read her story you will marvel at the accomplishments she has achieved throughout her life, now at the age of 70. This book brought me laughter, tears and joy and so much more respect and admiration for this beautiful woman's journey. Brava Mary K!!!

[Katie Krause · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m in awe, filled with hope and pride…

Reading this book for me as a relative of Mary K. was more than I could have expected. I knew the stories (not all) but this book showed me the unbelievable grit and determination that flows through her veins. I laughed, and I cried, and learned about stories of my family. Words cannot express how much I recommend this book.

[Anna Sonnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

mary k’s story never fails to make me cry! such an inspiring woman who i look up to every single day.

if you are able bodied, this is the book for you. it shows that we are just lazy! you can do anything you put your mind to, and mary k is a living, breathing example of that.

please please read this book if you want to laugh, cry, and feel inspired all at once.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written, true story of a strong, brave woman who has a major physical trauma and uses her inner strength to help feed kids in need. You will laugh and cry. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very glad this book was chosen for my church book club to read. What a inspiration Mary K. Hoodhood is! Mary stated "I won't think about the things I cannot do. I will rejoice in what I can do." Mary definitely lives by this thought.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a true love story! Love of family, friends, community, and of life itself. This book is humbling and inspiring. Mary K. is an amazing woman.

[Olivia Dykstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mom is old friends with Mary K Hoodhood and I actually got to meet her before reading this book. I loved this book. It is not my typical read but I think everyone should read this book! LOVE

[Amy Ayotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read especially if you are familiar with Kid's Food Basket and Mary K's generous works of hope and drive ♡

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book! True story written well.

[Hilarie Eddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary is truly inspirational. I loved this book and how it looks at the positive. One persons passion is now providing food to all of these kids.