Beth Alison Maloney

My experience with OCD is zero. In fact, my experience with mental illness is extremely limited. With this open mind, I delved into Ms. Maloney's harrowing account of her son's sudden onset of OCD and her equally harrowing navigation of the healthcare system as she searched desperately for answers. Although there is much belly-aching by medical professionals over the number of patients who deem themselves healthcare experts after an afternoon on the Internet, this book proves the immense value of research and perseverance. I was impressed by Ms. Maloney's unwillingness to accept the close-minded opinions of some doctors and her insistence on second, third, fourth and fifth opinions until she found a diagnosis that made sense and a treatment plan that worked for her son. Kudos to her bravery and stubbornness! I have no idea when I might find myself in such a quandary but I only hope to have the drive exhibited by this author to break down those medical brick walls.… (mehr)

My oldest son was afflicted with the same condition that tormented Sammy Maloney. He had been a happy, healthy child until shortly before his 11th birthday, when everything fell apart for him in the weeks following a high fever. We spent years desperately searching for someone in the medical community who could help him, with very little luck. Then we came across "Saving Sammy" and Beth's battle to save her son, a story that was painfully familiar. This book changed everything for us! It may literally have saved my son's life, and definitely his quality of life. For any parent who has ever agonized over a child's serious illness, felt helpless and lost in the face of that child's suffering, the story of Beth's and Sammy's triumph is incredibly uplifting. For our family, it was utterly transformative.

I should also mention that the author, Beth Maloney, graciously spoke to me on the phone and traded e-mails during the darkest days of my son's illness, trying to guide us down the path to our son's return to health: the path she and Sammy had charted with the help of some very special doctors. She got swamped with contacts from desperate parents like my wife and me, and she tried her best to help us all. This book is awesome. The author, and the courageous young man who shared his painful story so that other kids could benefit, are just as awesome!… (mehr)