Short Synopsis
When Francesco Clark injured his spinal cord, his doctors thought he should give up. He—and his very close Italian family—knew better.

Full Synopsis
Francesco Clark was a twenty-four-year-old with a bright future when he went to the Hamptons for the weekend. A nocturnal dive into the pool's shallow end changed everything.

Paralyzed from the neck down, doctors announced that he'd never move from his bed or breathe without assistance. But Francesco fought back. Within days, he was breathing on his own. His father, a doctor himself, investigated everyopportunity for experimental treatment, and Francesco used all resources available to speed his recovery. To avoid having his lungs suctioned, he sang, loudly, for hours. And that was just the beginning.

Francesco's accident left him unable to sweat out toxins, leaving his skin less than healthy. So Francesco and his father began to experiment, and Clark's Botanicals skin care line was born. It is now sold nationwide in stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Fred Segal, and featured in Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, andother magazines.

Seven years after the accident, Francesco continues to improve, in addition to running a thriving business.

"An encouraging, heartwarming story about the strength of the human spirit." ---Kirkus

"Walking Papers is moving, funny, and inspiring---a gift to any person dealing with a chronic illness or condition." ---Michael J. Fox, author of Always Looking Up

"Heyborne does an admirable job with the narration, managing wholly to channel Clark's determination, humor, optimism, and spirit." ---Library Journal Audio Review

"Heyborne's reading is quiet, but the power of Clark's optimistic message will sneak up on listeners." ---AudioFile