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Yes, You Can Heather!: The Story of Heather Whitestone, Miss America 1995
During the 1994 Miss America Pageant, Heather Whitestone challenged the limits of her profound deafness to capture both the pageant crown and America's heart. Heather's ballet interpretation of Sandi Patty's "Via Dolorosa" drew repeated ovations from her spellbound audience as she danced to music she could not hear. That night, Heather became the 75th Anniversary Miss America, the first physically challenged Miss America in the pageant's history - and eventually, one of the most popular Miss Americas ever.
But Heather's dramatic story really began twenty years earlier. At eighteen months, Heather fell victim to a deadly illness that left her with a devastating hearing loss. In those dark days, her parents were faced with the first of many hard choices they would have to make about Heather's health, hearing, and education - choices that would dramatically affect their daughter's life.
In this moving story, Heather's mother, Daphne Gray, recounts those agonizing choices. Refusing to leave her daughter in a silent world, Daphne enrolled her in ballet class. She researched the educational options for her daughter, making the controversial choice to emphasize speech rather than sign language. And she never, ever stopped believing that Heather could one day thrive in a hearing person's world.
But Heather's dramatic story really began twenty years earlier. At eighteen months, Heather fell victim to a deadly illness that left her with a devastating hearing loss. In those dark days, her parents were faced with the first of many hard choices they would have to make about Heather's health, hearing, and education - choices that would dramatically affect their daughter's life.
In this moving story, Heather's mother, Daphne Gray, recounts those agonizing choices. Refusing to leave her daughter in a silent world, Daphne enrolled her in ballet class. She researched the educational options for her daughter, making the controversial choice to emphasize speech rather than sign language. And she never, ever stopped believing that Heather could one day thrive in a hearing person's world.
Hardcover
First published July 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 4, 2012
Very inspiring story about the first handicapped Miss America.
July 5, 2007
I read these in middle school. Being a young girl from Alabama, growing up we were fascinated with her! Everyone read these books!
March 12, 2019
I think the overall tone is not unexpected from Zondervan publishing, but even if it edges into being a lil' message-y here and there, the story is an amazing testament to human resiliency and provides interesting insight into educational systems, deaf community, and the pageant process. Heather is an inspiring figure who reminds me why true stories are the best!
June 22, 2022
Met the author at a book signing in Alabama and it was co-authored by my friend Gregg Lewis! Although I did not agree with her decisions of her daughter’s education, her product speaks for itself. She became the first Miss America who was also Deaf, so kudos to you Ms. Gray!
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September 15, 2014For someone who was born with a moderate hearing loss such as myself, this book was extremely inspirational. I felt like I was right there with Heather and her mom riding the emotional roller coaster. I think her shear determination and hard work outweighed her set backs and disappointments. I remember the night Heather Whitestone was crowned! I was blown away and totally amazed!!! I will never forget that moment. I saw her on The Celebrity Apprentice not so long ago and again I was amazed at her ease of communication. I just learned that she has four sons and lives on St. Simon's Island. I am so happy to find that she has lived such a wonderful life!
November 16, 2015
"The audiologist has found nothing new, but she did have one unexpected recommendation. Because Heather's best hearing sensitivity and speech perception came through her left earned she preferred listening through that ear to listening with both, the CID audiologist recommended the use of amplification in her left ear only."
"I think the two girls became such good friends because Misha's continuing efforts to learn sign proved her commitment to their friendship. And in another way it affirmed and symbolized to Heather Misha's complete acceptance of her -- handicap and all."
"I think the two girls became such good friends because Misha's continuing efforts to learn sign proved her commitment to their friendship. And in another way it affirmed and symbolized to Heather Misha's complete acceptance of her -- handicap and all."
October 10, 2011
This is a great book about perseverance, hard work, believing in oneself, having high aspirations/goals, and great accomplishment.It is a reminder that even if your goals scare you or freak you out because they are so lofty, you can still reach them. It is proof that a handicap is not a brick wall that keeps us from reaching our goals or a happy life.
June 11, 2020
Heather Whitestone-McCallum is my favorite Miss America, and I admire how she overcame the adversity and challenges that came with her disability. This story is told through the eyes of her mother, and I admire her dedication to her daughter, helping her to reach her full potential and be the best she can be, therefore, refusing to let her daughter's deafness define her.
December 4, 2009
It is indeed a very wonderful book, I have touch by her courage and inner beauty. It shall be an encouragement to all women who desire to succeed in life..... no just $$$ and status, but really succeed in being a real woman.
June 18, 2010
This is the amazing true story of a young girl who became Miss America despite unbelievable challenges, due to her faith and help from her mother.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews