Press & Reviews
Book
A book that is good for your heart!
What does it feel like to lose a son in a tragic accident? What does it feel like to have your heart fail? How does a community form to join these events and transcend death? In their own words, stories of loved one, survivors, those rescued from death by another’s tragedy, and the genius of medicine. And beyond all this, the faith off all involved in the transcendence of life itself. In this amazing book, the author gets out of the way of the story. The result is compelling. A book that is good for your heart!
Steven White
One body – many members
Michael’s Legacy is a wonderful book, a real reach to listen and to know extraordinary karmic webs. What a gift to all of us. Large. Large.
John Wulsin
Fantastic book!
Michael’s Legacy: Transcending Life and Death written by Mark Judelson goes into the life and death of 23-year-old Michael Bovill and how his organs were able to live on in the bodies of five strangers, allowing them a second chance at life. Michael’s last act in this world was to give life to those in need.
The book discusses so much of what we, at Alexander’s Hope, spread awareness of. This first- hand story details the lives of each of Michael’s recipients, what led them to needing an organ and how they live their lives today.
Michael’s Legacy dives into the story of Roxanne Watson, who received Michael’s heart. Roxanne now spends most of her days advocating for people to become registered donors. She has signed up countless new donors through her mission.
One of the most unique aspects of the book is how the author explores the timeline of organ and tissue donations throughout history, including the dates of the first successful transplants. For anyone that is on the cusp as to whether or not to become a donor, this book is for them!
Bella Chaffey
President, Founder of Alexander’s Hope
Everyone should read this book!
Reading this book was life changing; the story of Michael’s short life was a sad story with a happy ending. Mark Judelson’s storytelling gave me a real experience of the process of organ transplant givng and receiving and inspired me to become a donor. It was awe-inspiring to realize and to read about all the lives that were touched by the death of Michael Boville. The author listened carefully to those involved and painted a heart warming picture of our human interconnection. Everyone should read this book!
Jim Battochi
The story dominates
In Michael’s Legacy, Mark writes with a calm, spare, disciplined authorial voice that he sustains for 250 pages. The style gets out of the way and the story dominates. I know how hard that is. Not a lot of writers can swing it.
Ted Kuster
Unforgettable book: And so much more!
This is truly a book worth reading! It becomes the unforgettable story not only of a remarkable young man and his very real loving family who donated his organs to five people who then were given new life, escaping death. It also tells the individual stories of all of the people who made these transplants possible: the many doctors and nurses and the mothers, fathers, patients’ families who loved and supported the transplant patients. This book is full of dazzling every day heroes. It reminds one of all the love, decency and humanity there is in the world.
Lois Feldman
Extraordinary, moving book and so much more!
I had the privilege (I mean that sincerely) of finishing the book two days ago.
What an extraordinary story! Mark’s book was VERY moving. After I read the first chapter, I think I bent my wife Sue’s ear for 20 minutes or more talking about it because there was so much to say and so many ideas it raised.
Michael and his family are truly remarkable people. (As I re-read this, I see I am writing about Michael in the present tense). How this story crosses social “barriers” (race, religion, socio-economic status, gender, etc.) and demonstrates how artificial those classifications are is something we all need to learn more about. It also raises marvelous questions about what is Death and when do we actually die? And that goes beyond transplantations and extending the physical lives of organ recipients. Because of Michael and his gifts, Scott was able to have children and the reverberations of accomplishments of next generations and the lessons they learn from previous generations that THEY pass on as a result may be immeasurable, perhaps unattributable, yet real. I could go on and on.
Sue and I rechecked our “final instructions” and were reassured that we stated our willingness to be organ donors. [I understand now that is not the word for some(?) Islamic traditions, but that is the word I have been familiar with.] However, we noticed it is not on our driver’s licenses, so we are going to request new licenses that will instruct first responders to not get rid of our bodies so fast. I also checked to make sure that our cemetery will allow us to be buried if we are an organ or two shy of our full complement. (We will be allowed.)
I believe it should be advertised to the librarians of every medical school in the U.S. and elsewhere. I also believe that professional organizations, like those serving surgeons and ethicists, should be made aware of it as well. The various religious organizational ruling bodies and the organizations dedicated to organ donations should also be included in the outreach so more people can see how remarkable and multi-faceted this issue can be.
A simple and heart-felt congratulations on this good work seems inadequate. I am impressed.
Paul Etkind
What does it feel like to lose a son in a tragic accident? What does it feel like to have your heart fail? How does a community form to join these events and transcend death? In their own words, stories of loved one, survivors, those rescued from death by another’s tragedy, and the genius of medicine. And beyond all this, the faith off all involved in the transcendence of life itself. In this amazing book, the author gets out of the way of the story. The result is compelling. A book that is good for your heart!
Steven White
One body – many members
Michael’s Legacy is a wonderful book, a real reach to listen and to know extraordinary karmic webs. What a gift to all of us. Large. Large.
John Wulsin
Fantastic book!
Michael’s Legacy: Transcending Life and Death written by Mark Judelson goes into the life and death of 23-year-old Michael Bovill and how his organs were able to live on in the bodies of five strangers, allowing them a second chance at life. Michael’s last act in this world was to give life to those in need.
The book discusses so much of what we, at Alexander’s Hope, spread awareness of. This first- hand story details the lives of each of Michael’s recipients, what led them to needing an organ and how they live their lives today.
Michael’s Legacy dives into the story of Roxanne Watson, who received Michael’s heart. Roxanne now spends most of her days advocating for people to become registered donors. She has signed up countless new donors through her mission.
One of the most unique aspects of the book is how the author explores the timeline of organ and tissue donations throughout history, including the dates of the first successful transplants. For anyone that is on the cusp as to whether or not to become a donor, this book is for them!
Bella Chaffey
President, Founder of Alexander’s Hope
Everyone should read this book!
Reading this book was life changing; the story of Michael’s short life was a sad story with a happy ending. Mark Judelson’s storytelling gave me a real experience of the process of organ transplant givng and receiving and inspired me to become a donor. It was awe-inspiring to realize and to read about all the lives that were touched by the death of Michael Boville. The author listened carefully to those involved and painted a heart warming picture of our human interconnection. Everyone should read this book!
Jim Battochi
The story dominates
In Michael’s Legacy, Mark writes with a calm, spare, disciplined authorial voice that he sustains for 250 pages. The style gets out of the way and the story dominates. I know how hard that is. Not a lot of writers can swing it.
Ted Kuster
Unforgettable book: And so much more!
This is truly a book worth reading! It becomes the unforgettable story not only of a remarkable young man and his very real loving family who donated his organs to five people who then were given new life, escaping death. It also tells the individual stories of all of the people who made these transplants possible: the many doctors and nurses and the mothers, fathers, patients’ families who loved and supported the transplant patients. This book is full of dazzling every day heroes. It reminds one of all the love, decency and humanity there is in the world.
Lois Feldman
Extraordinary, moving book and so much more!
I had the privilege (I mean that sincerely) of finishing the book two days ago.
What an extraordinary story! Mark’s book was VERY moving. After I read the first chapter, I think I bent my wife Sue’s ear for 20 minutes or more talking about it because there was so much to say and so many ideas it raised.
Michael and his family are truly remarkable people. (As I re-read this, I see I am writing about Michael in the present tense). How this story crosses social “barriers” (race, religion, socio-economic status, gender, etc.) and demonstrates how artificial those classifications are is something we all need to learn more about. It also raises marvelous questions about what is Death and when do we actually die? And that goes beyond transplantations and extending the physical lives of organ recipients. Because of Michael and his gifts, Scott was able to have children and the reverberations of accomplishments of next generations and the lessons they learn from previous generations that THEY pass on as a result may be immeasurable, perhaps unattributable, yet real. I could go on and on.
Sue and I rechecked our “final instructions” and were reassured that we stated our willingness to be organ donors. [I understand now that is not the word for some(?) Islamic traditions, but that is the word I have been familiar with.] However, we noticed it is not on our driver’s licenses, so we are going to request new licenses that will instruct first responders to not get rid of our bodies so fast. I also checked to make sure that our cemetery will allow us to be buried if we are an organ or two shy of our full complement. (We will be allowed.)
I believe it should be advertised to the librarians of every medical school in the U.S. and elsewhere. I also believe that professional organizations, like those serving surgeons and ethicists, should be made aware of it as well. The various religious organizational ruling bodies and the organizations dedicated to organ donations should also be included in the outreach so more people can see how remarkable and multi-faceted this issue can be.
A simple and heart-felt congratulations on this good work seems inadequate. I am impressed.
Paul Etkind
Other Work
"The King of Denmark Comes to Billings" was a dynamic program for our students at Ramapo High School. Our school is home to a remarkably diverse student body who face issues of race, religion and gangs. "The King of Denmark Comes to Billings" created a dramatic and safe vehicle for our students who presented the play as well as to their peers for whom they performed. Mark Judelson coached and worked with our student actors with warmth and professionalism. The results were excellent on many fronts. I highly recommend Mark and this play to any school considering a unique, engaging and effective tool in addressing anti-bullying programs and cultivating a culture of courageous compassion.
Dr. Eric Brand
English Department Chairman
Ramapo High School
Spring Valley, New York
I invite presenters a second time only if their first performance was really good. Mark has performed at Suffern Library twice and I look forward to his third.
Miguelina Molina
Community Services Coordinator
Suffern Library
Suffern, New York
Dr. Eric Brand
English Department Chairman
Ramapo High School
Spring Valley, New York
I invite presenters a second time only if their first performance was really good. Mark has performed at Suffern Library twice and I look forward to his third.
Miguelina Molina
Community Services Coordinator
Suffern Library
Suffern, New York
Many in the audience were in tears as the story unfolded in word and music. You offered a compelling performance that I believe was a transforming experience for many inmates.
Alexandreena Dixon
Superintendent
Taconic Correctional Facility, Bedford Hills , New York
Our students live among powerful forces that often influence them to view difference as a threat. Mark's performance helped them to view "the other" with compassion and understanding.
Emily Style
English teacher
Westfield High School
Westfield, New Jersey
Your performance was truly wonderful -- great acting -- compelling monologues -- engaging and inspiring -- terrific contribution to social justice. I am sure everyone present was moved by the play and glad he or she got to see it.
Wylene Wood
President
African American Historical Society of Rockland
Suffern, New York
Your performances can awaken our own goodness and the goodness of others.
Miriam Karnow
Co-worker
Fellowship Community (assisted living facility)
Chestnut Ridge, New York
I know rage. Today's story and music calmed my inner rage.
Inmate
Taconic Correctional Facility
Bedford Hills, New York
Our students come from over 40 countries of origin. They
consistently meet Mark and his stories with passion and attention. I
have witnessed them holding the message and pictures of his stories in
profound personal places. They are moved. They are changed.
Maggie Bryant
Chairperson, Cultural Arts Committee
Ramapo High School
Spring Valley , New York
Mark Judelson presents dramatic programs that deeply touched our audiences. Through spoken word and dynamic music, Mark's performances depicting true stories invited inspiration and courage in those who attended. Mark has performed five times at our library. I highly recommend him to my colleagues.
Erica Grodin
Acting Director
Finkelstein Memorial Library
Spring Valley, New York
Maggie Bryant
Chairperson, Cultural Arts Committee
Ramapo High School
Spring Valley , New York
Mark Judelson presents dramatic programs that deeply touched our audiences. Through spoken word and dynamic music, Mark's performances depicting true stories invited inspiration and courage in those who attended. Mark has performed five times at our library. I highly recommend him to my colleagues.
Erica Grodin
Acting Director
Finkelstein Memorial Library
Spring Valley, New York
You took the audience on an emotional voyage that captured not only our imaginations, but our hearts.
Conference organizer
Amherst, Massachusetts
Conference organizer
Amherst, Massachusetts
It is unanimous. Your performance of “The Open Window” was the best presentation we have had over the years at The Learning Collaborative. Folks are still talking about how beautiful it was. We would be enormously pleased if you would consider an encore.
Dr. Diana Worby
Executive Board Member
Rockland Learning Collaborative
Long Island University
Sparkill, New York
As Regional Director of Every Person Influences Children (EPIC), I recognized that "The King of Denmark Comes to Billings" represents the ideal of how human beings can care for each other. Faced with a series of hate crimes committed by racists against their neighbors, many people of Billings, Montana put themselves in harm's way to protect their neighbors who had been targeted. I was delighted that EPIC, in collaboration with a public library, co-sponsored "The King of Denmark Comes to Billings." The performance was riveting. The audience was inspired to manifest the ideal.
Phyllis Eig
Central Hudson Regional Director
Every Person Influences Children (EPIC)
Spring Valley, New York
This is the third time I have seen "The King of Denmark Comes to Billings" and it was the best ever. . . A special congratulations to you for the play, which has an important and powerful message. I hope you get to deliver it many times.
Dr. Cliff Wood
President
Rockland Community College
Suffern, New York
I was so impressed with the quality of the theatrical work, the content/message of the story and the rapt attention of our students. Our school is working hard under trying circumstances to provide quality educational experiences for our students. "The King of Denmark Comes to Billings" was a valuable contribution to our efforts.
Fran Petersel
Assistant Principal
Spring Valley High School
Spring Valley, New York
We are all awed at the artistry, professionalism and political importance of "The King of Denmark Comes to Billings" which you performed for our assembly yesterday. Your audience was riveted to their seats.
Dr. Diana Worby
Executive Board Member
Rockland Learning Collaborative
Long Island University
Sparkill, New York
