The children's book Bens Story, written by Sally Forrest of Soul Centre and featuring illustrations by children, tells the true tale of an abandoned and sickly baby in Thailand with an unwavering determination to survive. Baby Ben was born to a 16-year old girl, despite her attempts to abort her baby by injecting crushed painkillers dissolved in water into her stomach at six months pregnant. Ben survived, but upon birth his mother taped him to her mattress each night while she earned enough money for food. When Sally was asked to help Ben she found him badly bitten - even in the eyes - from the ants that covered his body. And although doctors initially said Ben would not live, Sally never gave up hope and Ben never gave up his fight for survival. Today, he is a happy, healthy seven-year old with an inspiring story to share. Priced at $20 and available at Soul Centre as well as Harris, Kinokuniya and Borders bookstores, all proceeds from Ben's Story go towards making life safer and happier for Thailand's abandoned children and orphans. 7 One-North Gateway, #01-15 Tel: 9875 2372, www.soulcentre.org,
www.soulkids.org, Email: soulcentresingapore@yahoo.com.sg
Posted Mar 2011
