LETTERS

History in the making

Posted 12/2/21

 To the Editor,

On November 6, 2021 at the Radisson Hotel in Warwick, Rhode Island the launching of our books "A Mother's Blessing, Family Comes First" and "Billy And Dad" along with Books …

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LETTERS

History in the making

Posted

 To the Editor,

On November 6, 2021 at the Radisson Hotel in Warwick, Rhode Island the launching of our books "A Mother's Blessing, Family Comes First" and "Billy And Dad" along with Books For Pinoys Foundation kicked off with our guest speaker, Philippine Vice Consul of NYC, Mr. Paolo Marco Mapula and received from the City of Warwick Mayoral Proclamation presented by Councilman Timothy Howe on behalf of Mayor Frank Picozzi. Other notable guests who came to join this special event were Father John Kiley, Judge Kevin Murphy, Mr. John Murphy, owner of Home Loan Bank, Mr. John White Jr. owner of Taco Comfort Solution, Dr Brain Snyder of Boston Children’s hospital, friends and family. 

“A Mothers Blessing, Family Comes First '' is about a mother and the family’s journey in navigating illness, trauma, faith in God, and loss.  I was inspired by my experiences caring for a medically complex child while simultaneously caring for my spouse who was in a coma for 19 months.  I wrote the book to inspire and encourage other caregivers.  Also, to thank family, friends and the community who helped us during our darkest moments. 

William Mackenzie Alisch (Billy) was present for the launch of his book “Billy and Dad”.

Billy is an eighteen-year-old with cerebral palsy.  He collaborated with his speech language pathologist at Boston Children's Hospital while he was in-patient for a 30-hour surgery last year. He used a combination of his gaze, his speech and augmentative communication devices to develop this piece.   He would use his gaze to signal “yes” or “no”, or would spell out his thoughts- often one letter at a time – using an alphabet board.   Billy wrote his book to preserve his best memories of his dad, Steven Alisch.

Joseph Steven Ritualo Alisch is President and founder of Books for Pinoys Foundation. As a Bishop Hendricken student, Joseph made headlines when at the age of 15 collected more than 10,000 books to help stock libraries in the Philippines. He attended Providence College and where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in Biology (BS) and did his research on Deep Brain Stimulation at the University of Minnesota -Twin Cities.  After he graduated from Providence College, he did his research work at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Maryland.  He is currently a 1st year medical student at Brown University.

We would like to pay forward 100% of the proceeds of my book donated in building a library in Tambis, Palompon, Leyte, Philippines through Books for Pinoys Foundation.  Billy’s book sales will be donated to Palompon Hospital for hospital beds. The event raised $5,000.00 and the goal is to raise $250,000.00. My grandfather Pedro Brocoy donated an elementary school back in the 50’s, Tambis Elementary School.  I inherited the land beside the school last year and donated the land.  We will build the library next to this school. This will be the first library in Palompon, Leyte which was founded in 17th century.  This is history in the making. 

Alma Alisch

Warwick

Alisch, history

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