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Kasey to the Rescue: The Remarkable Story of a Monkey and a Miracle
This is a story of how miracles DO happen.
How courage and a never-give-up spirit can emerge victorious.
How an engaging little monkey helped change a family’s life.
Ellen Rogers considered herself something of a tragedy snob. The single mother of five believed she could weather any storm, that she could keep her family from harm with fortitude and grace. But nothing could have prepared her for the June 2005 car accident that left her son, Ned—then 22 years old—fighting for his life.
Ellen refused to give in to despair. We’ll get through this , she told herself. We have to . But love and determination can only go so far, and the road home was fraught with obstacles. Ellen and Ned took comfort in family and friends. And they prayed for a miracle.
Miracles happen to those who believe , the saying goes, but who would have believed that one family’s “miracle” would weigh in at five pounds sopping wet Then Helping Monkey Helpers for the Disabled provided Ned with an affectionate and intelligent service animal with a steadfast devotion to hierarchy, a longing for “spa days,” and a craving for Gummi Bears. In other words, a diva.
Life with Kasey was yet another challenge for this large and lively family, but they persevered as families do, and in time this wise and sensitive animal did more than help Ned cope with his disabilities—she turned the simple tasks of life into a life worth living. Kasey’s astonishing intelligence and compassion brought hope and laughter back to a family facing its greatest challenge, and helped them see the world in a new way.
How courage and a never-give-up spirit can emerge victorious.
How an engaging little monkey helped change a family’s life.
Ellen Rogers considered herself something of a tragedy snob. The single mother of five believed she could weather any storm, that she could keep her family from harm with fortitude and grace. But nothing could have prepared her for the June 2005 car accident that left her son, Ned—then 22 years old—fighting for his life.
Ellen refused to give in to despair. We’ll get through this , she told herself. We have to . But love and determination can only go so far, and the road home was fraught with obstacles. Ellen and Ned took comfort in family and friends. And they prayed for a miracle.
Miracles happen to those who believe , the saying goes, but who would have believed that one family’s “miracle” would weigh in at five pounds sopping wet Then Helping Monkey Helpers for the Disabled provided Ned with an affectionate and intelligent service animal with a steadfast devotion to hierarchy, a longing for “spa days,” and a craving for Gummi Bears. In other words, a diva.
Life with Kasey was yet another challenge for this large and lively family, but they persevered as families do, and in time this wise and sensitive animal did more than help Ned cope with his disabilities—she turned the simple tasks of life into a life worth living. Kasey’s astonishing intelligence and compassion brought hope and laughter back to a family facing its greatest challenge, and helped them see the world in a new way.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
November 3, 2010
I was crying before I made it past page 4, that tells you how well written and emotionally involved this story is. As it is a true story, it was even more touching. The format that Ellen Rogers used worked perfectly. She brings us along for the journey she and her family were on while her son was fighting for his life. She fills us in on what Kasey (the monkey) was up to at different stages of his. This book isn’t all about the monkey, it is about family, the strength of a person, and the will to live, but Kasey does play a large role in the second half of the book.
I continued to cry throughout the book, tears of despair, of sadness, of happiness, of joy. This one story covers it all. As I am currently in nursing school, some parts about the caregivers made me take notice (and realize that others are paying attention as well). This is the type of story that makes you aware of what people are capable of when they have the strength, desire, and support system available. It's a book to be enjoyed and treasured by anyone who has ever lived, because we have all had to go through something difficult, this story helps to put things in perspective and the family is one to admire.
I continued to cry throughout the book, tears of despair, of sadness, of happiness, of joy. This one story covers it all. As I am currently in nursing school, some parts about the caregivers made me take notice (and realize that others are paying attention as well). This is the type of story that makes you aware of what people are capable of when they have the strength, desire, and support system available. It's a book to be enjoyed and treasured by anyone who has ever lived, because we have all had to go through something difficult, this story helps to put things in perspective and the family is one to admire.
November 16, 2010
I started Kasey yesterday thanks to being able to get an advanced readers copy, and am on page 37 and am already totally captivated. To me this is a sign of a good writer. To be able to engage someone right out of the gate. Also the other is that if you have to stop reading, you are afraid something will happen while you are gone, so you rush back just in case...In the first 37 pages this book gives it all. Ellen Rogers you are wonderful and I am so blessed to meet you and your family and be included in this journey. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
PS I just finished this gem of a book, that is funny, sad, lovable, truthful, but most of all inspiring. Never give up rings clearly all through it..
Kat >^..^
PS I just finished this gem of a book, that is funny, sad, lovable, truthful, but most of all inspiring. Never give up rings clearly all through it..
Kat >^..^
Read
September 7, 2022This book was immediately captivating it dealt with a subject matter close to my heart, challenges related to living with a disability. The main character was a 22-year old named Ned who got into a car accident at the beginning of the book. Not only does the author who happens to be his mother do a great job of detailing what it is like dealing with a Spinal Cord Injury from the perspective of a loved one she also introduced this reader to a new form of "assistive technology", that of a helper monkey. I was turned onto to this book by my aunt Eileen this past weekend. Immediately I was intrigued by the concept of the story and wanted to do more research on the helper monkey concept as it could relate to my physical needs. While I have not yet completed my research I am definitely hopeful about what I have found. This book also holds a special place in my heart because it was turned into a movie which I am going to see shortly. The overall message of the story is one of hope and perseverance. It comes at a perfect time for me. Those who know me may not be aware but lately I have been less than positive about my circumstance even with a welcome addition of a girlfriend I find it hard to stay positive. The message the author conveys has me rethinking the way I look at life. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone who reads memoirs and anyone who wants to learn what it is like to have a disability.
May 27, 2024
I don't usually read soppy animal stories about how this or that cute animal did something incredible and worked a miracle in the writer's life...but this book was recommended and given to me by a friend so I gave it a shot.
Let's start out by saying it wasn't soppy and no miracles of Biblical proportions occurred.
The spinal injuries that are related in the book are joined neatly with both realism and the personalities of the people dealing with all the physical, emotional and mental difficulties that accompany them.
Added to this, one diva of a monkey.
...who provides, eventually, companionship, entertainment, a few helpful acts here and there, and a lot of maintenance.
It's not a smooth path and all involved are imperfect, but it makes for a good read and you really feel the ups and downs of the journey.
Lastly, this book was published in 2010 so that means Ned and Kasey are probably still out there living and learning and giving both hope to others with similar conditions, and good advice to prevent those conditions to others. Excellent.
Let's start out by saying it wasn't soppy and no miracles of Biblical proportions occurred.
The spinal injuries that are related in the book are joined neatly with both realism and the personalities of the people dealing with all the physical, emotional and mental difficulties that accompany them.
Added to this, one diva of a monkey.
...who provides, eventually, companionship, entertainment, a few helpful acts here and there, and a lot of maintenance.
It's not a smooth path and all involved are imperfect, but it makes for a good read and you really feel the ups and downs of the journey.
Lastly, this book was published in 2010 so that means Ned and Kasey are probably still out there living and learning and giving both hope to others with similar conditions, and good advice to prevent those conditions to others. Excellent.
December 12, 2023
I loved this book! My favorite read of 2023. Kasey To The Rescue is engrossing and riveting. I couldn’t put it down and read it over the weekend. You will fall in love with this family and, of course, Kasey the capuchin monkey. This book is honest and teaches so many valuable lessons about family and showing up even when it’s really, really hard. Ellen Rogers is an amazing mother and writer. Her son Ned is extraordinary! A wonderful book and now I’m searching for the movie that is inspired by Ned and Kasey. There’s also another book about the dynamic duo I’m searching for. Kasey To The Rescue was written in 2010, so I’m wondering if Kasey is still with us ? I hope so because she is the sweetest creature! If you love animals and stories that give you a sense of hope then read Kasey To The Rescue.
October 18, 2023
After a catastrophic injury, life changes for Ned and his family. The book focused on the strength of family and friends in support of Ned and his needs. Ned went on to make unexpected gains in his mobility and strength. Ned was selected as a recipient of a support monkey and it was a slow process of developing a strong bond between the two. Eventually that bond was developed and Kasey becomes a integral part of his life. Read the book for more.
I wondered about the financial impact on the family. Did programs help pay for the health care aids and equipment? How did the mother pay the bills with the heavy time demands?
I wondered about the financial impact on the family. Did programs help pay for the health care aids and equipment? How did the mother pay the bills with the heavy time demands?
September 29, 2019
A touching, fascinating, painful, and hopeful well-written memoir from a mom whose college-aged son is in a freak car accident and becomes paralyzed from his neck down. Ellen Rogers writes beautifully and honestly about their road to survival. The ordeal and the agony, and yet also the grace and the love in the family and with friends to keep life moving in love and faith. And then the service monkey Kasey arrives to make a difference to them all.
April 25, 2018
This book was incredibly inspiring!!!! I don't want to spoil the story by sharing too many details. However, I will say that I found myself crying, laughing, and struggling for hope right along with this family. I highly recommend this book for families of children with emotional, behavioral, physical, or educational challenges. It is a beautiful story of overcoming what seems impossible.
May 14, 2017
Heel fijn boek om te lezen. Vrij wel in een keer gelezen. Las weg als een feel good movie. Bijzonder om te realiseren dat dit kennelijk een waargebeurd verhaal is en hoe mooi een band tussen mens en dier kan zijn.
April 11, 2019
Helps explain www.monkeyhelpers.org from a first-party perspective.
December 30, 2021
Molto bello, la parte iniziale davvero forte e commuovente.
Ma poco scorrevole e alcune parte sono lunghe e noiose.
Non ho apprezzato molto il finale, però molto carina come storia <3
Ma poco scorrevole e alcune parte sono lunghe e noiose.
Non ho apprezzato molto il finale, però molto carina come storia <3
July 6, 2022
Nonfiction. This is the story of Ned and his service monkey Kasey. Written by Ned's mother, the story is told from both her point of view and Ned's.
November 20, 2020
An incredible story of an amazing family and the very special monkey who changes their lives.
October 20, 2011
Monkey See, Monkey Do!
llen Rogers' November release of her heartwarming emotionally charged true story titled Kasey to the Rescue, will truly knock your socks off. She has opened up her heart and mind to tell the world of her two year exhausting, painful, and inspirational story that sends us all the message to never give up hope no matter how bad you think your life is.
After enduring two previous painful deaths in the family, she one day receives a phone call that her 22 year old son has been in a serious car accident leaving him paralyzed from the neck down, his only movement being his eyes. Ned's spinal cord literally was severed at the neck, all the specialists gave Ellen no hope for her son's recovery. They said he would never talk, walk, move, or function ever again. Determined to not give up, mother and son fight like warriors to find the best physicians, physical therapists, and medical care available. Although it took much patience, pain, and determination while Ned endured excruciating torment, this amazing young man pushed himself to the limits and slowly made progress in minute increments that kept him pushing harder and harder for two years, until he was able to one day move both hands, arms and upper torso.
Ned is a very lucky young man. His family of mother, brother, two sisters and two dogs, loved him unconditionally, all participated in doing what was necessary for maximum recovery that would someday lead him down the path of a somewhat normal life. The reader will be so impressed with the uncanny abilities this family had of managing a chaotic household around a severely injured disabled young man. The level of selflessness, love, and group participation this family offered Ned, was beyond the imagination during a time of great difficulty and sacrifice.
But this is not just Ned's story. This is also the tale of one adorable Capuchin Monkey named Kasey. Kasey is a female Helping Hands service monkey, one of many brought from the jungles of South America as an infant, then trained for service work to aide Spinal Cord Injury patients and other immobile paraplegics. From infancy these animals are trained in the simple tasks that patients can't do for themselves, while at the same time offering the patient companionship & love as they learn to adapt to the scary life of being handicapped.
Kasey joins the Rogers family ready for work but the Rogers aren't quite sure what they got themselves into as Kasey appears more than a handful. Training her, feeding her, preparing her very complicated time-scheduled diet, and getting her to bond with Ned, was a painful process that pushed the whole family's level of endurance to the limit.
This is a riveting book. It is an emotionally driven memoir that I doubt any reader will be able to put down. I learned so much about the trauma of spinal cord injury patients, and of the incredible intelligence of Capuchin monkeys like Kasey. But most of all what blew me away the most, was the depth of this family's love and patience through a horrific ordeal, and of the bravery Ned Rogers had to not give up when his life was severely threatened and close to ending. Kasey to the Rescue is sure to hit the best seller charts and top all book club reading groups! This is beyond inspiring, a beautiful book to behold.
llen Rogers' November release of her heartwarming emotionally charged true story titled Kasey to the Rescue, will truly knock your socks off. She has opened up her heart and mind to tell the world of her two year exhausting, painful, and inspirational story that sends us all the message to never give up hope no matter how bad you think your life is.
After enduring two previous painful deaths in the family, she one day receives a phone call that her 22 year old son has been in a serious car accident leaving him paralyzed from the neck down, his only movement being his eyes. Ned's spinal cord literally was severed at the neck, all the specialists gave Ellen no hope for her son's recovery. They said he would never talk, walk, move, or function ever again. Determined to not give up, mother and son fight like warriors to find the best physicians, physical therapists, and medical care available. Although it took much patience, pain, and determination while Ned endured excruciating torment, this amazing young man pushed himself to the limits and slowly made progress in minute increments that kept him pushing harder and harder for two years, until he was able to one day move both hands, arms and upper torso.
Ned is a very lucky young man. His family of mother, brother, two sisters and two dogs, loved him unconditionally, all participated in doing what was necessary for maximum recovery that would someday lead him down the path of a somewhat normal life. The reader will be so impressed with the uncanny abilities this family had of managing a chaotic household around a severely injured disabled young man. The level of selflessness, love, and group participation this family offered Ned, was beyond the imagination during a time of great difficulty and sacrifice.
But this is not just Ned's story. This is also the tale of one adorable Capuchin Monkey named Kasey. Kasey is a female Helping Hands service monkey, one of many brought from the jungles of South America as an infant, then trained for service work to aide Spinal Cord Injury patients and other immobile paraplegics. From infancy these animals are trained in the simple tasks that patients can't do for themselves, while at the same time offering the patient companionship & love as they learn to adapt to the scary life of being handicapped.
Kasey joins the Rogers family ready for work but the Rogers aren't quite sure what they got themselves into as Kasey appears more than a handful. Training her, feeding her, preparing her very complicated time-scheduled diet, and getting her to bond with Ned, was a painful process that pushed the whole family's level of endurance to the limit.
This is a riveting book. It is an emotionally driven memoir that I doubt any reader will be able to put down. I learned so much about the trauma of spinal cord injury patients, and of the incredible intelligence of Capuchin monkeys like Kasey. But most of all what blew me away the most, was the depth of this family's love and patience through a horrific ordeal, and of the bravery Ned Rogers had to not give up when his life was severely threatened and close to ending. Kasey to the Rescue is sure to hit the best seller charts and top all book club reading groups! This is beyond inspiring, a beautiful book to behold.
January 23, 2011
It took me awhile to get through this book. Why? I started it over the holidays, then things got hectic. However, the book's poignant story was strong enough for me to immediately pick it back up and remember what was going on. This sort of tragedy never leaves you. The book's author, Ellen Rogers, starts the book off in the moment of tragedy as she discovers her son has had a terrible accident. Having always called herself a "tragedy snob" due to many unfortunate events she has weathered in her life, she is thrown into a situation she does not know how to deal with. The book follows her son's recovery process and the process of integrating a helper monkey--the title character, Kasey--into their home.
Kasey to the Rescue is a book you read for the story. You read it and count your blessings, at the same time acknowledging the good things that have come out of their situation (Kasey, new relationships, emotional strength, etc.). Rogers is great at delivering chaotic moments in a humorous manner, and you feel like you're actually there. The book made me laugh out loud even as I couldn't begin to imagine how hopeless they must have felt. Rogers stands out as a great mother who stands strong when many of us would have let our lives crumble around us.
That said, this book is not the sort of book you read for literary value or eloquent writing. The writing style is good in terms of being light and grammatically correct... but it won't make anyone's "favorite quotes" section on their Facebook profile, if you know what I mean. The title and prominent picture of the capuchin monkey on the cover of the book leads one to believe the book is all about Kasey, the monkey. This really bothered me at the beginning of the book, when there were chapters where the monkey was not yet present. I think Rogers was aware of this because she added in notes about where Kasey would be at the time (living and working with a trainer), but the transitions were poor and awkward. As I read on, though, it bothered me less. It would have been impossible to separate Kasey's story from the story of Ned (the son)'s accident and recovery. The story is clearly written from the mother's point of view, and I like that she didn't try to speak for her family by representing their opinions in the book. On the other hand, I was curious about what Ned might be feeling/thinking throughout a lot of it. The book does include a short Afterword by Ned (and another prominent member of the story), which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Rogers mentions religion a few times in the work, including the assertion that this was a time when faith could be the strongest because they needed the hope. Religion was not a prominent theme by any means, which I sincerely appreciated. I feel this makes the book much more marketable for a mainstream audience.
Kasey to the Rescue is a fast read and tells a truly inspirational story. I am glad to have read it.
This review will be published at the Book Blag at http://bookblag.wordpress.com.
Kasey to the Rescue is a book you read for the story. You read it and count your blessings, at the same time acknowledging the good things that have come out of their situation (Kasey, new relationships, emotional strength, etc.). Rogers is great at delivering chaotic moments in a humorous manner, and you feel like you're actually there. The book made me laugh out loud even as I couldn't begin to imagine how hopeless they must have felt. Rogers stands out as a great mother who stands strong when many of us would have let our lives crumble around us.
That said, this book is not the sort of book you read for literary value or eloquent writing. The writing style is good in terms of being light and grammatically correct... but it won't make anyone's "favorite quotes" section on their Facebook profile, if you know what I mean. The title and prominent picture of the capuchin monkey on the cover of the book leads one to believe the book is all about Kasey, the monkey. This really bothered me at the beginning of the book, when there were chapters where the monkey was not yet present. I think Rogers was aware of this because she added in notes about where Kasey would be at the time (living and working with a trainer), but the transitions were poor and awkward. As I read on, though, it bothered me less. It would have been impossible to separate Kasey's story from the story of Ned (the son)'s accident and recovery. The story is clearly written from the mother's point of view, and I like that she didn't try to speak for her family by representing their opinions in the book. On the other hand, I was curious about what Ned might be feeling/thinking throughout a lot of it. The book does include a short Afterword by Ned (and another prominent member of the story), which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Rogers mentions religion a few times in the work, including the assertion that this was a time when faith could be the strongest because they needed the hope. Religion was not a prominent theme by any means, which I sincerely appreciated. I feel this makes the book much more marketable for a mainstream audience.
Kasey to the Rescue is a fast read and tells a truly inspirational story. I am glad to have read it.
This review will be published at the Book Blag at http://bookblag.wordpress.com.
January 9, 2011
Rogers' son Ned became a quadriplegic in a car accident and she became his caregiver. When her daughters heard about Helping Hands, an organization that trains helper monkeys for disabled people, she became obsessed with the idea that this would be the thing to help distract Ned from his disabling nerve pain, not to mention perform tasks for him. She's a Type A personality who's just on the edge of being completely annoying throughout the book, but at least she can laugh at herself. She freely admits that her dream of the Magic Monkey who would solve everything was pure fantasy.
(I actually knew about monkey helpers before reading this because at one time my mother in law wanted to get involved with training them. Strangely, my father in law wasn't enthusiastic about this and it came to naught. Recently someone pointed out that the TSA web site includes procedures for dealing with service monkeys, and tells agents not to touch them. But I digress.)
Ned was matched with Kasey, a 20 year old Capuchin monkey, and they started the process of bonding and working together. It was a challenge. Everybody in their large family had to help, because monkeys live in a social hierarchy and Kasey needed to feel that Ned was #2 (after her) and everybody else was below him. Ned's teenage sisters, the family dogs, and his mom all had to change their behavior: when the dogs barked at the monkey, Ned would say "Good Kasey! Go get 'em, girl!" which made his sisters furious. They had to learn to help Ned by acting deferential to Kasey, which of course they hated. Rogers did all the care for her: preparing food just so, baths, trimming nails. For the first year it felt as though Kasey added more work, not helped.
Over time, Kasey bonded with her man and not only helped him with tasks like bringing him beverages (I was going to say "drinks" which has a little different meaning - would be cool, though) ...anyway, her company did help Ned with his nerve pain and his speech, and things like playing catch with her helped him with mobility. By the end of the book he's regained a lot of his confidence and has taken Kasey to schools to tell kids about helper monkeys and about always wearing their bike helmets. He's also starting to think about what kind of work he might be able to do in the future, which had seemed impossible at the start.
It's an inspirational book, which usually bores me to sobs, but it's not heavy on that. Rogers describes how the monkeys are trained, and the details of Kasey's care and how she and Ned came to be companions is interesting. I wish there was more about the tasks Kasey does for him, because she stresses how Kasey's companionship and bonding helped.
(I actually knew about monkey helpers before reading this because at one time my mother in law wanted to get involved with training them. Strangely, my father in law wasn't enthusiastic about this and it came to naught. Recently someone pointed out that the TSA web site includes procedures for dealing with service monkeys, and tells agents not to touch them. But I digress.)
Ned was matched with Kasey, a 20 year old Capuchin monkey, and they started the process of bonding and working together. It was a challenge. Everybody in their large family had to help, because monkeys live in a social hierarchy and Kasey needed to feel that Ned was #2 (after her) and everybody else was below him. Ned's teenage sisters, the family dogs, and his mom all had to change their behavior: when the dogs barked at the monkey, Ned would say "Good Kasey! Go get 'em, girl!" which made his sisters furious. They had to learn to help Ned by acting deferential to Kasey, which of course they hated. Rogers did all the care for her: preparing food just so, baths, trimming nails. For the first year it felt as though Kasey added more work, not helped.
Over time, Kasey bonded with her man and not only helped him with tasks like bringing him beverages (I was going to say "drinks" which has a little different meaning - would be cool, though) ...anyway, her company did help Ned with his nerve pain and his speech, and things like playing catch with her helped him with mobility. By the end of the book he's regained a lot of his confidence and has taken Kasey to schools to tell kids about helper monkeys and about always wearing their bike helmets. He's also starting to think about what kind of work he might be able to do in the future, which had seemed impossible at the start.
It's an inspirational book, which usually bores me to sobs, but it's not heavy on that. Rogers describes how the monkeys are trained, and the details of Kasey's care and how she and Ned came to be companions is interesting. I wish there was more about the tasks Kasey does for him, because she stresses how Kasey's companionship and bonding helped.
May 21, 2011
When Ellen Rogers' son, Ned smashed into a brick wall while driving, her life, Ned's,and all his sibling changed immediately. He may have had an epileptic seizure. He had a seizure disorder prior. He had a fracture of the C 1 and C2 vertebrae which usually means that he would be paralyzed from the neck down.
Ellen's first husband passed away with cancer. She already had a daughter daughter named Megan and was pregnant with Ned. She later married and added more children Jake, Maddie and Anna Kokos. That marriage didn't last but she still had all of the children and two dogs to take care of. She is the narrator of the book.
First the family worried that Ned would survive, there was no guarantee. Every hour was a victory, then every day. He did survive, he was a fighter, it was in his nature even before the accident.
Meanwhile, a very smart capuchin monkey was going through Monkey college, just thirty miles away at Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled It is a non profit organization. http://www.monkeyhelpers.org/. This monkey, Kasey learned the tasks exceptionally quick. He was a star.
This book tells of the very scary situation of having your child suddenly be in danger of losing his life, of her son's adjustment to and struggle with being quadriplegic and lastly of a star monkey. You know what it is like to change the family's lives in order to make life better for Ned.
You will know how an incredible bond between Ned and Kasey is forged over time and many trials. This book will make you want to see this monkey and others like him who through love and very hard work make disabled people's lives so much better. You cannot read this book without being inspired and admiring Kasey and all of the family. Just as life is not easy, this was not easy but it was so very worthwhile.
I recommend this book for all who want to learn about service animals and enjoy a great heart tugging story. There will also be times when you laugh out loud at Kasey's. Kasey is supposed to have the intelligence of a three year old human child but I also realized a toddler wouldn't ever come close to replacing what Kasey does every day for Ned. I want to thank Ellen Rogers for letting everyone in her sometimes chaotic family life. It was amazing to to see the process of bonding between Ned and Kasey and additional mobility that Kasey gave to Ned.
Ellen's first husband passed away with cancer. She already had a daughter daughter named Megan and was pregnant with Ned. She later married and added more children Jake, Maddie and Anna Kokos. That marriage didn't last but she still had all of the children and two dogs to take care of. She is the narrator of the book.
First the family worried that Ned would survive, there was no guarantee. Every hour was a victory, then every day. He did survive, he was a fighter, it was in his nature even before the accident.
Meanwhile, a very smart capuchin monkey was going through Monkey college, just thirty miles away at Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled It is a non profit organization. http://www.monkeyhelpers.org/. This monkey, Kasey learned the tasks exceptionally quick. He was a star.
This book tells of the very scary situation of having your child suddenly be in danger of losing his life, of her son's adjustment to and struggle with being quadriplegic and lastly of a star monkey. You know what it is like to change the family's lives in order to make life better for Ned.
You will know how an incredible bond between Ned and Kasey is forged over time and many trials. This book will make you want to see this monkey and others like him who through love and very hard work make disabled people's lives so much better. You cannot read this book without being inspired and admiring Kasey and all of the family. Just as life is not easy, this was not easy but it was so very worthwhile.
I recommend this book for all who want to learn about service animals and enjoy a great heart tugging story. There will also be times when you laugh out loud at Kasey's. Kasey is supposed to have the intelligence of a three year old human child but I also realized a toddler wouldn't ever come close to replacing what Kasey does every day for Ned. I want to thank Ellen Rogers for letting everyone in her sometimes chaotic family life. It was amazing to to see the process of bonding between Ned and Kasey and additional mobility that Kasey gave to Ned.
September 26, 2012
Kasey to The Rescue
By Ellen Rogers
Memoir
288 pages
This is the story of a family and how their tragedy helped them learn how to pick up the pieces and start over again. It's a story of hope, faith, and a family who just wants to be normal. All of this learning comes from their experience with a one foot tall fluff ball. She is a diva Capuchuin monkey named Kasey. The story starts on the night that Ned Rodgers gets into a car crash. He is attending college in Tucson, Arizona, far away from his family in Boston. His mom, Ellen, gets a call and immediately flies to be with him. Ned is in critical condition and is told that he will never walk or speak ever again. He and his mom spend weeks away from home as he goes through rehab. He fights against frustration but still defies the odds. He first begins to move his hands and then finally, he speaks. He returns to Boston and is greeted by a happy family. However, the frustration continues. He finds himself unable to complete daily tasks, and needs the help of others at all times. This causes frustration within the family as they try to continue a normal life. Finally it seems as if there is a light at the end of the tunnel when his sister hears of an organization called helping hands. Helping hands uses Capuchuin monkeys as aids to people with disabilities. So, the Rodgers begin the long application process. Finally the day arrives, and Kasey is delivered to the family. But the struggle is not over. Kasey comes with her own boatload of needs. She has difficulty adjusting to her new environment and master. The rest of the story is of the lessons and trials that the family endures. As a result, the two build both friendship and courage to help Ned heal.
I enjoyed this book because it takes nonfiction, which is a genre I don't usually like, and makes it easier to read. It turns what can be a block of facts into a story with characters and problems that I can relate to. I would recommend this book to people who find nonfiction hard to handle. I would also recommend it to those who love a heart warming message. That's what this book is all about.
By Ellen Rogers
Memoir
288 pages
This is the story of a family and how their tragedy helped them learn how to pick up the pieces and start over again. It's a story of hope, faith, and a family who just wants to be normal. All of this learning comes from their experience with a one foot tall fluff ball. She is a diva Capuchuin monkey named Kasey. The story starts on the night that Ned Rodgers gets into a car crash. He is attending college in Tucson, Arizona, far away from his family in Boston. His mom, Ellen, gets a call and immediately flies to be with him. Ned is in critical condition and is told that he will never walk or speak ever again. He and his mom spend weeks away from home as he goes through rehab. He fights against frustration but still defies the odds. He first begins to move his hands and then finally, he speaks. He returns to Boston and is greeted by a happy family. However, the frustration continues. He finds himself unable to complete daily tasks, and needs the help of others at all times. This causes frustration within the family as they try to continue a normal life. Finally it seems as if there is a light at the end of the tunnel when his sister hears of an organization called helping hands. Helping hands uses Capuchuin monkeys as aids to people with disabilities. So, the Rodgers begin the long application process. Finally the day arrives, and Kasey is delivered to the family. But the struggle is not over. Kasey comes with her own boatload of needs. She has difficulty adjusting to her new environment and master. The rest of the story is of the lessons and trials that the family endures. As a result, the two build both friendship and courage to help Ned heal.
I enjoyed this book because it takes nonfiction, which is a genre I don't usually like, and makes it easier to read. It turns what can be a block of facts into a story with characters and problems that I can relate to. I would recommend this book to people who find nonfiction hard to handle. I would also recommend it to those who love a heart warming message. That's what this book is all about.
May 11, 2015
The title of my book is called Kacey to the rescue By Ellen Rogers. This memoir covers about 2 1/2 - 3 years of Ellen’s life. Ellen and her oldest son, Ned, are the 2 main characters in this memoir.
The event that was most significant in Ellen’s life was when Ned got in a really bad car accident because he was paralyzed from the neck down and he was in a hospital for 2 ½ years.
4 events that I was interested in were:
1. When Ned was 22, Ellen got a call that no parent wants to hear: “Ellen, your son, Ned, he’s been in a bad car accident. I’m so sorry.” Ned was not likely to survive. That call changed her life.
2. After being home for a week, Ned couldn’t stand being at home with all his pain and Ellen didn’t know how to help. She made some calls and they were off to the hospital once again.
3. A few months after that, Ned and Ellen are on their way to Atlanta to go to the Shepherd's Center for people who suffer from Spinal Cord Injury, or SCI, such as Ned. They were there for a year or so.
4. Ned is home after almost 2 ½ years and they have a service monkey, named Kacey, that helps Ned with things he can’t do himself. They have a special bond and Kacey never wants to leave Ned’s side. kacey helps ned open water bottles and other things he can’t do.
I liked the memoir because it was very detailed and you didn’t know what was going to happen next. Ned, Ellen, and Kacey have a good life together and they all have a special bond with each other. The memoir was very good and i wish everyone could read it.
I enjoyed this memoir and I would read it again in a heartbeat. It gave good detail and was suspenseful.
I would recommend this memoir to anyone who likes books about animals and books about suspense.
Sincerly,
Faith Harding
The event that was most significant in Ellen’s life was when Ned got in a really bad car accident because he was paralyzed from the neck down and he was in a hospital for 2 ½ years.
4 events that I was interested in were:
1. When Ned was 22, Ellen got a call that no parent wants to hear: “Ellen, your son, Ned, he’s been in a bad car accident. I’m so sorry.” Ned was not likely to survive. That call changed her life.
2. After being home for a week, Ned couldn’t stand being at home with all his pain and Ellen didn’t know how to help. She made some calls and they were off to the hospital once again.
3. A few months after that, Ned and Ellen are on their way to Atlanta to go to the Shepherd's Center for people who suffer from Spinal Cord Injury, or SCI, such as Ned. They were there for a year or so.
4. Ned is home after almost 2 ½ years and they have a service monkey, named Kacey, that helps Ned with things he can’t do himself. They have a special bond and Kacey never wants to leave Ned’s side. kacey helps ned open water bottles and other things he can’t do.
I liked the memoir because it was very detailed and you didn’t know what was going to happen next. Ned, Ellen, and Kacey have a good life together and they all have a special bond with each other. The memoir was very good and i wish everyone could read it.
I enjoyed this memoir and I would read it again in a heartbeat. It gave good detail and was suspenseful.
I would recommend this memoir to anyone who likes books about animals and books about suspense.
Sincerly,
Faith Harding
December 29, 2010
2005 was a year to remember in their household but not for the many good things that could and would happen, but for a terrible tragedy that touched their lives. Ned Sullivan, Ellen's 22 yr old full of life son was in a car accident. The good news, he survived...the bad news, no one knew how long he would be able to hold on nor the quality of life he would live going forward.
This is more than just the story of a man and his monkey (and yes, I realize how that sounds...wait for the explanation). This is the story of a family thrown a curve ball of staggering size and what they accomplished as a "team" to work through, nay overcome (to a certain degree) the obstacles stacked in their way as a result.
From the eyes of a mother, Ellen Rogers takes on the role of author and shares the heart warming journey that her family (and extended family...including old and new found friends) has seen and lived through over the past view years. Each sunrise welcomes and sunset witnessed is a testament to their strength and willingness to do what needs doing in order to make the most of each and every day.
Recommended reading for anyone seeking a look at a life being lived most remarkably as well as some great information on an organization I hadn't heard of previously....Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled. It's a rather interesting non-profit that aims to place specially bred, trained, and skilled capuchin monkeys with those suffering from spinal cord injuries or other mobility impairments; a cause certainly worth exploring. Happy reading....
This is more than just the story of a man and his monkey (and yes, I realize how that sounds...wait for the explanation). This is the story of a family thrown a curve ball of staggering size and what they accomplished as a "team" to work through, nay overcome (to a certain degree) the obstacles stacked in their way as a result.
From the eyes of a mother, Ellen Rogers takes on the role of author and shares the heart warming journey that her family (and extended family...including old and new found friends) has seen and lived through over the past view years. Each sunrise welcomes and sunset witnessed is a testament to their strength and willingness to do what needs doing in order to make the most of each and every day.
Recommended reading for anyone seeking a look at a life being lived most remarkably as well as some great information on an organization I hadn't heard of previously....Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled. It's a rather interesting non-profit that aims to place specially bred, trained, and skilled capuchin monkeys with those suffering from spinal cord injuries or other mobility impairments; a cause certainly worth exploring. Happy reading....
November 9, 2010
So those of you that read my reviews regularly know that I am an animal lover, so this book is an automatic favorite of mine. While the monkey obviously was a huge part of the story there was so much more to this book.
This one was kind of in reverse for me emotionally, I normally cry at the end of a book - but this one had me crying right from the start. As Ellen makes her way to be with her son and she explains what happens, and what is going on in her mind I instantly began to tear up. I'm not a mother yet, so I can only imagine the rollercoaster that you go through emotionally when you find out your child has been seriously injured. The emotional connection was so strong for me with this book. It took me through fear, happiness, sadness, frustration, anger, joy, and contentment.
I did love Kasey, he was always getting into mischief! Once Kasey was introduced to the story there was always something going on. However this was more of a story of a family trying to learn to live new lives in the face of a tragedy then it was a story about a monkey. Kasey becomes an integral part of the new lifestyle that Ellen and her family take on but there was so much more that the family had to deal with to become what they are now.
This story is so touching. I really connected with Ellen and her family right from the beginning. I'd say that even if you aren't the animal lover that I am you would still enjoy this book so much!
This one was kind of in reverse for me emotionally, I normally cry at the end of a book - but this one had me crying right from the start. As Ellen makes her way to be with her son and she explains what happens, and what is going on in her mind I instantly began to tear up. I'm not a mother yet, so I can only imagine the rollercoaster that you go through emotionally when you find out your child has been seriously injured. The emotional connection was so strong for me with this book. It took me through fear, happiness, sadness, frustration, anger, joy, and contentment.
I did love Kasey, he was always getting into mischief! Once Kasey was introduced to the story there was always something going on. However this was more of a story of a family trying to learn to live new lives in the face of a tragedy then it was a story about a monkey. Kasey becomes an integral part of the new lifestyle that Ellen and her family take on but there was so much more that the family had to deal with to become what they are now.
This story is so touching. I really connected with Ellen and her family right from the beginning. I'd say that even if you aren't the animal lover that I am you would still enjoy this book so much!
April 25, 2014
This was a very inspirational book, one that would be a perfect read for anyone who is disabled or knows someone who is. I know everyone doesn’t need a helper monkey (or dog), but everyone can benefit from having a pet in their life.
Kasey was adorable, just look at that face!! I loved the way she interacted with Ned, and that she gave him so much more than comfort. It amazed me how his pain eased just by her being near.
I loved how she had to make sure everyone in the house knew their (and her) place. That was the only way she could trust Ned and Ellen 100%, and know they were her “people”.
Like the blurb says, Kasey sure was a diva! The story about the purse and mirror that Ellen bought her was priceless, and so was reading about her candy snatching.
I didn’t think having a helper monkey would be so much work, but do think it would be well worth the time and energy. Her impact on the family, especially Ned, was priceless.
Even though Ned and his mom were going through the toughest time in their life, Kasey was a very bright light in that darkness. I don’t think Ned would have recovered as well as he did without her.
This book has been sitting on my tbr shelf for a long long time, and I wish it hadn’t taken me so long to get it. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to read something that is truly uplifting.
Kudos to Helping Hands and it’s employees, and other organizations like them.
Kasey was adorable, just look at that face!! I loved the way she interacted with Ned, and that she gave him so much more than comfort. It amazed me how his pain eased just by her being near.
I loved how she had to make sure everyone in the house knew their (and her) place. That was the only way she could trust Ned and Ellen 100%, and know they were her “people”.
Like the blurb says, Kasey sure was a diva! The story about the purse and mirror that Ellen bought her was priceless, and so was reading about her candy snatching.
I didn’t think having a helper monkey would be so much work, but do think it would be well worth the time and energy. Her impact on the family, especially Ned, was priceless.
Even though Ned and his mom were going through the toughest time in their life, Kasey was a very bright light in that darkness. I don’t think Ned would have recovered as well as he did without her.
This book has been sitting on my tbr shelf for a long long time, and I wish it hadn’t taken me so long to get it. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to read something that is truly uplifting.
Kudos to Helping Hands and it’s employees, and other organizations like them.
April 12, 2016
As a fan of books about animal/human interactions, I was intrigued to read about a service monkey. I had no idea such a thing existed. Service dogs, yes, but a service monkey?
Ellen Rogers learned about them when her son Ned was in a tragic accident that nearly killed him. With little encouragement from doctors, she and her family and Ned himself blew the remaining spark of life into a a tiny flame struggling to survive. But it took a little capuchin monkey to move from tiny flame to full blaze.
Kasey was not an easy acquisition. She was temperamental and high maintenance. Learning to be her top human, her protector and her best friend was a big part of Ned's recovering enough of his mobility to believe he could make a contribution with his life. Learning to deal with her impact on the family was almost the straw on the camel's back for Rogers, who had to set her own life and profession on hold to work with Ned and handle the logistics of a large, noisy, loving family.
I was sorry to come to the end of the book, as I was thoroughly engaged with Ned, Kasey, Ellen and the rest of the family. But Ned's life, and that of those who love him, is a work in progress. And a little monkey called Kasey plays a big role in that.
Ellen Rogers learned about them when her son Ned was in a tragic accident that nearly killed him. With little encouragement from doctors, she and her family and Ned himself blew the remaining spark of life into a a tiny flame struggling to survive. But it took a little capuchin monkey to move from tiny flame to full blaze.
Kasey was not an easy acquisition. She was temperamental and high maintenance. Learning to be her top human, her protector and her best friend was a big part of Ned's recovering enough of his mobility to believe he could make a contribution with his life. Learning to deal with her impact on the family was almost the straw on the camel's back for Rogers, who had to set her own life and profession on hold to work with Ned and handle the logistics of a large, noisy, loving family.
I was sorry to come to the end of the book, as I was thoroughly engaged with Ned, Kasey, Ellen and the rest of the family. But Ned's life, and that of those who love him, is a work in progress. And a little monkey called Kasey plays a big role in that.
April 21, 2011
Nothing in her life had prepared Ellen Rodgers for the call she received telling her son had been In a car accident. Not knowing what to expect she boarded an airplane, leaving her other children waiting for the call to tell them everything would be ok. She never got to make that call.
Ned was a quadriplegic with a sever brain injury. Kasey to the Rescue by Ellen Rodgers is a heart warming story of a mothers strength to adjust and handle more than she ever should have, her sons amazing growth, and a monkey named Kasey who taught them both that they could not only survive but “live” again.
The story is beautifully written with love and laughter mixed into a story that should break your heart but instead makes it sing with hope. That Ellen Rodgers was able to not only live through one of a parents worst nightmares , the serious injury of one of their children, but was also able to write about it in a style that shows the hope alive in all of us is a remarkable achievement. This book has it all, tears, laughter, and a monkey! I would recommend this book to all. This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers and for all who are looking for a good read.
Ned was a quadriplegic with a sever brain injury. Kasey to the Rescue by Ellen Rodgers is a heart warming story of a mothers strength to adjust and handle more than she ever should have, her sons amazing growth, and a monkey named Kasey who taught them both that they could not only survive but “live” again.
The story is beautifully written with love and laughter mixed into a story that should break your heart but instead makes it sing with hope. That Ellen Rodgers was able to not only live through one of a parents worst nightmares , the serious injury of one of their children, but was also able to write about it in a style that shows the hope alive in all of us is a remarkable achievement. This book has it all, tears, laughter, and a monkey! I would recommend this book to all. This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers and for all who are looking for a good read.
April 21, 2012
Gosh, all sorts of good reviews for this book. A heart-warming story, certainly, of a brave woman and how she dealt with her 22 year-old son's accident and subsequent paralysis. The agony of weeks and months in the hospital with her severely injured son, the total disruption of family life, the loss of dreams, the exhaustion of caring for her son. All very touching.
And then there is the story of the service monkey. Interesting to learn how the monkeys are trained, what they can do, how they fit into family life (not easily!!).
But in the end, the book was just a straightforward, though courageous, account of what happened to their family. Inspiring, because the author, her son, and most everyone else faced the tragedy with courage and resilience. I was left with the feeling: what a nice family the Rogers/Sullivan/Kokos/Holsinger clan is; wow, caring for a service monkey is a LOT OF WORK; monkeys sure are cute and fun.
However, there was no inspired writing. The book was maybe even formulaic, at any rate, not memorable.
And then there is the story of the service monkey. Interesting to learn how the monkeys are trained, what they can do, how they fit into family life (not easily!!).
But in the end, the book was just a straightforward, though courageous, account of what happened to their family. Inspiring, because the author, her son, and most everyone else faced the tragedy with courage and resilience. I was left with the feeling: what a nice family the Rogers/Sullivan/Kokos/Holsinger clan is; wow, caring for a service monkey is a LOT OF WORK; monkeys sure are cute and fun.
However, there was no inspired writing. The book was maybe even formulaic, at any rate, not memorable.
June 13, 2014
Listening to the audiobook in my company break room, I had to keep myself from bawling five different times in the first eight minutes. Rogers knows how to capture gut wrenching emotion. But the novel itself isn't sad, but uplifting. Both Rogers and her son Ned end up with more on their plates than anyone should ever have to deal with, but they are both remarkably strong people with great senses of humor. I found myself laughing frequently - at both situations and verbal humor (both light and dark).
Kasey made an incredible addition to their family and to Ned's life. As someone who always begged for a monkey when I was growing up, the intricate and ritual care required is daunting. Ellen - I salute you and have officially decided to hang up my "I want a monkey" hat. But even with all of the required care, Kasey's empathy and games that she developed that helped with Ned's PT and OT made her a priceless service animal. I wish monkeyhelpers.org great success in training and placing additional monkeys with families that can benefit from their presence.
Kasey made an incredible addition to their family and to Ned's life. As someone who always begged for a monkey when I was growing up, the intricate and ritual care required is daunting. Ellen - I salute you and have officially decided to hang up my "I want a monkey" hat. But even with all of the required care, Kasey's empathy and games that she developed that helped with Ned's PT and OT made her a priceless service animal. I wish monkeyhelpers.org great success in training and placing additional monkeys with families that can benefit from their presence.
November 9, 2010
Helper Monkeys! Do I really need to say more?
I adore this book It was everything I had hoped Dewey the Library Cat would be (but ultimately wasn't).
I begins with the phone call no mother wants to get - your son has been in an accident half way across the country, you need to get here tonight because he might not make it until morning. By the time the flight delay was announced tears were rolling down my cheeks.
This is really more of a memoir of a families adjustment to a devastating accident than an "oh look, monkeys" story. Kasey doesn't actually join the family until about half way through. Even then, despite the title, it's not all sunshine and miracles.
What is is however, is a very compelling story - one that is difficult to put down. I finished it within a few hours of its arrival , despite my family's seriously annoying demand for dinner.
Read this book. You will not regret it. And did I mention - Helper Monkeys!
I adore this book It was everything I had hoped Dewey the Library Cat would be (but ultimately wasn't).
I begins with the phone call no mother wants to get - your son has been in an accident half way across the country, you need to get here tonight because he might not make it until morning. By the time the flight delay was announced tears were rolling down my cheeks.
This is really more of a memoir of a families adjustment to a devastating accident than an "oh look, monkeys" story. Kasey doesn't actually join the family until about half way through. Even then, despite the title, it's not all sunshine and miracles.
What is is however, is a very compelling story - one that is difficult to put down. I finished it within a few hours of its arrival , despite my family's seriously annoying demand for dinner.
Read this book. You will not regret it. And did I mention - Helper Monkeys!
January 9, 2011
I received this book as an Early Reviewer copy from librarything.com. Ellen Rogers has written a wonderfully heart wrenching and uplifting book. It is the story of the tragic accident of her son Ned and the remarkable journey taken by the Rogers family to create hope in the face of despair. I was deeply moved by Ellen's honest account of the details of such a life-changing event. Ellen Rogers writes in such an engaging way that the reader is drawn into the chaos and comfort of the Rogers family. She is open, honest, and real with her words. The story of Ned and Kasey, the Helping Hands monkey who changed their lives, will inspire many people who suffer such a spinal injury. More importantly, everyone who reads their story will be inspired to neer give up, regardless of the situation. Kasey to the Rescue is a tribute to the optimism of the human spirit. I encourage anyone going through a personal challenge of any kind to read this story of hope and love!
March 3, 2011
Kasey is a Capuchin Monkey and a close friend of Ned Rogers. Ned's mother Ellen wrote this book as a true story of the partnership between Kasey and her paraplegic son.
Ned fought back from a life-threatening spinal cord injury suffered in a car accident. From communicating with single blinks of his eyes for "yes" or "no," to progressing far beyond the predictions of his doctors, Ned has found a purpose in life, with Kasey at his side.
The book is a spotlight on an organization called "Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled," an organization which trains and places these intelligent and dextrous monkeys with disabled individuals to give them companionship and an improved quality of life. Ellen Rogers found that it took hard work and patience for her entire family to adapt to having a "monkey in the house," but that the rewards were worth it!
Ned fought back from a life-threatening spinal cord injury suffered in a car accident. From communicating with single blinks of his eyes for "yes" or "no," to progressing far beyond the predictions of his doctors, Ned has found a purpose in life, with Kasey at his side.
The book is a spotlight on an organization called "Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers for the Disabled," an organization which trains and places these intelligent and dextrous monkeys with disabled individuals to give them companionship and an improved quality of life. Ellen Rogers found that it took hard work and patience for her entire family to adapt to having a "monkey in the house," but that the rewards were worth it!
March 12, 2011
I won this book thru Library Thing and I really did like it a lot. It was written by Ellen Rogers. This book was about her family’s life before and after the life changing accident of her son, Ned. The entire family made changes to accommodate Ned and how the girls found out about a service called Helping Hands which paired service monkeys with families. The family even had to make changes to their house to make it more wheel chair friendly. Ned gets paired with Kasey and I love the antics that the monkey does, it is very funny. I like that the author was not bitter about what happened to her son, but took it as a blessing. I loved the messages in this book and would highly recommend it to anyone.
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