OVERVIEW

In 1963, Philip Hodges was born, the seventh of eight children, inflicted with Cerebral Palsy. Thanks to the loving devotion of their parents, who saw Philip as a gift and not a burden, the author and his siblings experienced the power of love, devotion, and acceptance that forever changed their lives.

In Lessons from Philip, the author shares his experiences growing up and reflects on the immense influence that having Philip for a brother had on his life, shaping his worldview and providing a guide for how to live his life. He wrote the book in the hope that families struggling with the realities of a profoundly disabled child or sibling might be comforted by his reflections and perhaps be able to find the joys amid the sorrows of caring for a disabled child.

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Proceeds from the book will be donated to the United Cerebral Palsy and the Wendell Foster Center in Owensboro, Kentucky, Philip’s home for over forty years.

PHILIP

When Philip was born, doctors warned that the severity of his cerebral palsy and birth injury meant he would likely not survive outside the intensive care unit. In this photo, Philip is 62 years old. His life is a powerful example of how people with severe cerebral palsy and disabilities can live long, meaningful lives when surrounded by love, devoted family support, and compassionate long-term caregivers. His brother, Mark, believes Philip’s longevity is a testament to the family members and professional caregivers who provided consistent care, dignity, and joy throughout his life.

MARK

Mark Hodges is the author of Lessons from Philip, a memoir shaped by growing up with his brother Philip, who lives with profound Cerebral Palsy. As the third of eight children, Mark shares a sibling’s perspective on disability, family, resilience, and unconditional love. He wrote this book to encourage families raising children with disabilities and to honor the lasting impact Philip has had on his life. Grateful for his health and opportunities, Mark credits his upbringing with shaping his optimism, compassion, and determination. Married to his wife, Susan, for forty-three years, he is the father of two adult children and grandfather to three. Proceeds from Lessons from Philip benefit United Cerebral Palsy and the Wendell Foster Center, where Philip has lived for more than forty years.

“The countless lessons Philip’s life has taught me throughout my life have greatly influenced the person I am. I share those lessons in this book, which I have been writing in my head for most of my adult life and which I hope will help families who have “Philips” in their lives appreciate the great joys and important lessons that a disabled child or sibling can bring to their lives, as Philip did for mine and for my family’s. Our parents made Philip a gift, not a burden. It was the most important lesson that I, and my wonderful siblings, learned.”