Sparrows in a Hurricane: One Family’s Courage to Weather the Storm of Addiction and Mental Illness

Sparrows in a Hurricane: One Family's Courage to Weather the Storm of Addiction and Mental Illness is a compelling and insightful memoir that demonstrates how children growing up with addicted and mentally ill parents can overcome obstacles and live productive and functional lives as adults. This story involves six Appalachian children who band together to survive and support one another through their parents' addiction and mental illness. The book illustrates how some of them escape the legacy of these diseases while others succumb to its grip. "A powerful look at the family disease of alcoholism and drug addiction, sprinkled with the hope of recovery." - Jerry Moe, Betty Ford Center Children's Program "It is often difficult to comprehend what an addict's family members feel, and the level of despair that pushes them to react harshly or out of character. The candidness that Ms. Dalpiaz expresses in this personal story helps us move beyond the pain to a place of hope and healing. That transformation can occur is the potential gift. This is a story with a gift." - Jean Armour, LPC, RN, CAC III

Christina Dalpiaz, founder of CHANCE (Changing How Adults Nurture Children’s Egos), is dedicated to children living through trauma. She is a voice for children and works to help society recognize the devastation caused by family violence, addiction and mental illness. Christina’s other books include: ＂Breaking Free, Starting Over: Parenting in the Aftermath of Family Violence＂ and ＂Sparrows in a Hurricane: One Family’s Courage to Weather the Sstorm of Addition and Mental Illness.＂ She has been published in various books and academic journals, participated in documentaries, featured on television and produced training materials to assist with her cause. Ms. Dalpiaz, a retired naval officer, holds certifications in victims’ advocacy, addiction counseling and strengthening families. She is an international speaker with a master of science degree in psychology and a national credential in early childhood education.