For the Love of Raymond: Between the Laughter and the Tears

When Raymond Dunn, Jr. was born in 1974 with extreme disabilities, his parents, Carol & Ray Dunn, were told to expect him to live only about a year. He was blind, suffered from seizures, could not use his limbs, could not speak, had life-threatening allergies and asthma. But with Carol's unwavering determination, Ray's strength, and the power of love, Raymond lived until the age of 20.

With the help of "Raymond's Girls", a group of home aides, special education teachers and nurses, Raymond lived a life full of love with undivided attention.

When Raymond's main food supply was discontinued by Gerber Baby Food (Gerber Products Company) Carol started a five year campaign to replace it. With her persistence, she managed the impossible. The story was picked up by media all over the world, and Raymond was tagged the "Gerber Boy".

Raymond was a gentle soul who touched the lives of all who came in contact with him. Though the heartaches, struggles, and trips to the emergency room were plentiful, his parents and caregivers always managed to bring joy and humor into their daily care of Raymond. Carol believed it was her and Ray's destiny to take care of their child through thick and thin, through the laughter, through the tears.

This heartwarming, bittersweet story is told in Carol Dunn's own words and includes letters, doctors' reports, newspaper articles, testimonials, and photos documenting this young man's journey. It is not only the story of Raymond's short life, but is also Carol and Ray's remarkable love story.