Cage Free Publishing Announces the Release of 'Riding Standing Up,' a Tell-All Memoir

HOUSTON, Oct. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/  Sparrow Spaulding was eleven years old when she was sexually assaulted by her pediatrician during a routine school physical, an experience she buried for 35 years.

Spaulding's memoir, Riding Standing Up, chronicles her tumultuous childhood growing up in poverty in small town New England with alcohol and drug-addicted mentally ill parents. The abuse she experienced from Dr. Packard (named Dr. Wexler in her memoir) was only one instance of many traumas Ms. Spaulding endured.

"Life was tough enough with an addicted stepfather with PTSD and a mentally ill mother. Then, to be sexually assaulted by my own pediatrician. No matter where I went I wasn't safe."

Thomas Packard, MD, of North Conway New Hampshire, was indicted in 2015 and 2016 on multiple charges of aggravated felonious sexual assault and sexual assault of several former patients he saw between 1980 and 1994.

On June 28, 2018 Dr. Packard was offered a plea and pleaded guilty in Carroll County Superior Court to a lesser charge of felony assault.

Spaulding's book also describes two instances of sexual assault she endured during her high school years, which she never reported.

"I could relate to Christine Blasey Ford's testimony about Brett Kavanaugh as the same thing happened to me during the 80s…twice. I never reported either instance and I wish I had."

Ms. Spaulding decided to dedicate her life to those in need.  She obtained advanced degrees in psychology and counseling and has spent the last twenty years championing for those who struggle with mental illness and addiction.

"Growing up I had no one. As the oldest I took care of my siblings and my mother, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia. I knew early on I wanted to help others and be the person I never had as a child. I wrote my story after all these years as an extension of my life's work- to show people you can come from the most dreadful of circumstances and still rise up and do something meaningful with your life.

Riding Standing Up is an inspirational read. It's the true testament of young girl who never lost her faith or courage no matter what life threw at her. It's available at bookstores, Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and at www.sparrowspaulding.com

Media Contact:
Sparrow Spaulding
info@cagefreepublish.com