A Mother’s Promise That Transformed Her Son’s Breakthrough into a Beacon of Hope Traveling to study in France for the summer, Canadian college student Kerry Samuels made a stop that would change his life. An unlikely chain of events landed him pursuing theological study in Israel, changing his name to Kalman, and marrying his wife Malki. In 1977 their infant son Yossi was injured and rendered blind, deaf, and acutely hyperactive. During the difficult and isolating years of Yossi’s early childhood, his mother promised to dedicate her life to helping other children with disabilities and their families if Yossi’s world of darkness and silence would ever be penetrated. Inspired by their son’s remarkable breakthrough to communication, Kalman and Malki established Shalva, one of the world’s largest centers for disability care and inclusion – creating a better society for all. In Dreams Never Dreamed, Samuels juggles life’s bitter and sweet in pursuit of good. Driven by humorous stories and insights, this memoir is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming at once. A story of hope, courage, and leadership; it demonstrates that ordinary people can create extraordinary change and transform life’s challenges into opportunities.
