Book Celebrates Life of Controversial 'Death and Dying' Icon
Scottsdale, Arizona (PRWEB) June 23, 2009 -- A recently released book, "Tea with Elisabeth" celebrates the life of the late Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, the controversial Swiss-born physician whose unwavering commitment in the face of extreme opposition resulted in changing the way the world views death and dying.
An internationally known author, lecturer and a founder of the hospice movement, Dr. Kübler-Ross sparked international controversy with her groundbreaking approach - putting the rights of patients and their families first - and threatened a medical establishment that was entrenched in the age-old taboos and fears that still surrounded death and dying.
She was initially dismissed by the medical establishment and the media as "the death and dying lady," and attacked both personally and professionally. But she never gave up and never gave in, showing a tenacious resolve that did not surprise those who shared her dramatic and revolutionary journey.
"Tea with Elisabeth" features 51 revealing, soul-stirring and sometimes humorous essays that create a fully dimensional portrait of the tiny dynamo of a woman who elevated the consciousness of humanity.
The contributors include Muhammad Ali; Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York; Marianne Williamson; Doreen Virtue; Raymond Moody; J. Donald Schumacher; Bernie Siegel; Stephen Levine; Dame Cicely Saunders and Caroline Myss; as well as family members and friends.
Balfour Mount, M.D., Canada's much-honored "father of palliative care," said, "Elisabeth was one of the greatest communicators of the 20th century, and her impact as a teacher has been global in scope. She taught humanity how to come to terms with loss and impending death and gave voice to those disenfranchised at the 'edge of being.'"
Fern Stewart Welch, the veteran writer and friend who served as executive editor of "Tea with Elisabeth," notes, "Elisabeth had to draw on raw courage, absolute commitment and dogged resolve in the face of extreme opposition and open hostility to do what she was called to do - often alone. She was frequently maligned and misunderstood, and yet she always knew innately it was never about her, it was about the message."
The heroic efforts of Dr. Kübler-Ross' led to health-care reform, patients' rights, the relief of end-of-life suffering, the proliferation of hospice in the U.S. and humanity's search for greater awareness of how to deal with long-term illnesses and the death process itself.
Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross died on August 24, 2004 in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she lived the last ten years of her life. She was mourned by the millions of people she touched with her books, lectures and compassionate ministrations, as well as by the multitude of doctors, nurses, aides, caregivers and hospice workers who continue her legacy.
In 1999, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross was named one of the "Greatest Minds" of the century by TIME magazine, and the New York City Public Library named her seminal book "On Death and Dying," one of the greatest literary works of the twenty-first century. She authored more than 20 books that were published in 27 languages, were read by millions and used in colleges and universities and as required textbooks in medical schools around the world.
She received innumerable honors and awards from organizations worldwide, including being the recipient of more than 20 honorary degrees. In 2007, she was inducted posthumously into the National Women's Hall of Fame.
"Tea with Elisabeth," published by Quality of Life Publishing Company, is available at Amazon.com, Borders and other online booksellers, from the publisher at www.QoLpublishing.com, and to the trade from Ingram Book Co., Baker & Taylor and other wholesalers.
Contact: Dianne Gray - Quality of Life Publishing Company
239-595-5583 - Toll free: 1-877-513-0099
See excerpted celebrity quotes from Tea with Elisabeth and bio sketches of the book compilers/editors below:
Selected Quotes from Tea with Elisabeth:
"Her life and work are great examples of how to affect positive change in the world, while remaining honest and true to one's beliefs." --Muhammad Ali / Considered by many to be one of the greatest boxers of all time, Muhammad Ali was named Messenger of Peace by the United Nations in acknowledgment of his international humanitarian efforts.
"I learned so much from Elisabeth and, when I lost anyone dear to me, I would always heed her words of comfort and support." --Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York / Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, is a bestselling author, who also founded two charitable organizations that focus on the urgent needs of children.
"She was my doorway into the world of human consciousness, medical intuition and energy medicine. I adored her from the moment I heard her speak, and always will. She gave so much so that others might have an easier journey in this life, and she personally suffered a great deal behind the scenes. She was, without a doubt, one of the most courageous souls of our era."
--Dr. Caroline Myss / Bestselling author and medical intuitive Caroline Myss was a graduate journalism student when she was hired to write an exposé on the "infamous" Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. Their brief encounter would change her life path.
"In 1979 I was thrilled to attend an Elisabeth Kübler-Ross workshop titled "Life, Death and Transition." That workshop was the beginning of my true education and my relationship with Elisabeth." --Bernie Siegel, M.D. / The bestselling author of "Love, Medicine and Miracles" learned lessons from Dr. Kübler-Ross that enhanced his life and his career.
Tea with Elisabeth Biosketches of Compilers/Editors:
Fern Stewart Welch, executive editor and co-contributor to Tea with Elisabeth, is a veteran writer and author. Her books include the recently released You Can Live A Balanced Life In An Unbalanced World,"and The Heart Knows the Way - How to Follow Your Heart to a Conscious Connection with the Divine Spirit Within. Welch was also public relations director of The Arizona Bank, a freelance international travel correspondent for The Los Angeles Times, editorial director of PHOENIX Magazine and founding president of a public relations firm. www.FernStewartWelch.com - www.InsightsOut.blogspot.com
Rose Winters, associate editor and co-contributor, is a documentary film producer. Her film, Finding Hearts at Peace, was recently purchased for broadcast in the Middle East. She has extensive nonprofit experience, and currently serves on the boards of the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation and For the Children Foundation.
Kenneth Ross, photography editor and co-contributor, is an independent commercial photographer based in Scottsdale, Arizona. His work has been exhibited in the U.S., Japan, the Philippines and Mexico. His first book Real Taste of Life, was a collaborative effort with his mother, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. www.kenrossphotography.com
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