Brooke Ellison - Author and Motivational Speaker

Miracles Happen - One Mother, One Daughter, One Journey

Miracles Happen
by Brooke and Jean Ellison

A triumphant mother-daughter story about the limitless possibilities of a life lived with courage.

"Ten years ago, I was hit by a car. No one expected me to live. I have been paralyzed from the neck down and on a respirator since that time. Tomorrow, I will graduate from Harvard. Miracles happen. They have happened to me and they are happening to you. You need only look at the people in your lives in order to see them."
-- Brooke Ellison, Harvard graduation speech

One of the most inspiring stories of the past year was that of Brooke Ellison. The victim of an automobile accident that left her paralyzed from the neck down when she was eleven years old, Brooke never let her disability stop her from living her life to the fullest and becoming the first quadriplegic to graduate from Harvard University. But, as she eloquently reveals in this beautifully moving account of her life and accomplishments, her identity extends far beyond her physical limitations.

Written with her mother, Jean, her closest companion -- in alternating chapters -- Brooke's story starts on the day that changed her life, which left her in a coma and nearly killed her. It concludes with the promise that Brooke's life is just beginning, and that it will indeed be a remarkable one. Told with grace, warmth, and sparkling humor, this unforgettable memoir is filled with optimism, inspiration, and confidence that the future will bring even more blessings. Miracles Happen is not just about living with a disability, it is about overcoming adversity and celebrating the miracles that every day brings. It is not just about one person, but about the heroics of a family. And it is not just about one extraordinary mother-daughter relationship, but about the special bond that exists between mothers and daughters everywhere.

Order the hardcover or order the paperback edition directly from Amazon.com.

Also available at Amazon.com:
The Brooke Ellison Story DVD

The Brooke Ellison Story DVD - Click to order

First airing on the A&E network in October of 2004, The Brooke Ellison Story told the story of a family coming together to overcome some of life's greatest challenges. The inspiring movie was produced and directed by Christopher Reeve, and was his final directorial work.

Starring: Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, John Slattery, Lacey Chabert
Drector: Christopher Reeve
Studio: Sony Pictures
Running time: 91 minutes
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
DVD Release Date: May 24, 2005
Purchase now: from Amazon.com

Articles and Points of Interest

CNN.com - Reeve to direct 'personal' film
Paralyzed actor Christopher Reeve will direct an A&E cable TV movie about a quadriplegic who becomes a Harvard University honors student... more >

USA Today - Diary of a courageous life
While walking to school on a September day in 1990, Brooke Ellison of Stony Brook, N.Y., was struck by a car and lost the ability to feel or move below her neck. She was just 11 years old... more >

The Brooke Ellision Story
Reader's Digest is proud to be associated with "The Brooke Ellison Story," an inspiring TV movie directed by Christopher Reeve, just months before his untimely passing... more >

Harvard Gazette: Ellison '00 - Miracles Happen
Anyone who knows Brooke Ellison won't be surprised that since her news-making graduation from Harvard College in 2000, she has written a book, kept a busy schedule of speaking engagements, and made plans to attend graduate school... more >

Brooke Ellison - Wikipedia
Brooke Ellison is the first quadriplegic to graduate from Harvard University. In 2000, she was selected by her fellow students to speak at the University's commencement ceremonies... more >

Brooke Ellison to speak at 2005 Star Tribune Women's Lecture Series
The 2005 Star Tribune Women's Lecture Series presented by Herberger.s and produced by SMART TALK. is proud to bring Brooke Ellison to Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis Wednesday, May 11, 2005, 7:30 p.m... more >

More Push for Stem Cell Research Funding in New York
Scientists from New York area universities and biotech companies joined with local activist Brooke Ellison and Rep. Steven Israel (D-Huntington) yesterday to demand that New York approve funding for medical research using embryonic stem cells... more >

Interview With Brooke Ellison
She's Brooke Ellison. And she inspired Christopher Reeve, and she'll inspire you too when she's here for the hour with your phone calls next on LARRY KING LIVE... more >