News & Upcoming Events
Recent Events
January 17, 2026
Philip Chanin and Carol Westlake, founding executive director of the Tennessee Disability Coalition, discussed Mother of Courage during an author’s event at the Vanderbilt Bookstore.
December 3, 2025
Mother of Courage was featured during a program on the history of Nashville’s disability community presented by Vanderbilt University and the Nashville Public Library. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/live/odsq_uRrJOI?si=P7CiVXHb3i8RBQZw
Dr. Philip Chanin being interviewed by Carol Westlake during the Tennessee America 250 program.
Dr. Philip Chanin being interviewed by Carol Westlake during the Tennessee America 250 program.
Current Exhibit
Margaret Chanin Featured
on Tennessee America 250
Margaret Chanin’s story is now featured among the “Voices & Volunteers” pages of the Tennessee America 250 website. This project, created by the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial, celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary by preserving the unique stories, historical objects, landmarks, and places that define who we are as Tennesseans and Americans.
Margaret Chanin’s inspiring journey is recognized as part of this important historical collection.
Visitors can explore the exhibit by visiting the Voices & Volunteers section of the Tennessee America 250 website.
Reviews
Reviews
A practicing dentist and teacher of dentistry — without arms?” “Impossible,” you say — and I said. But that’s not what Dr. Margaret Chanin, DDS said to herself and went on to do. I interviewed Dr. Chanin for a book about adversity I put together some years ago. MOTHER OF COURAGE is the perfect title for a new book about his mother by Dr. Chanin’s son, Philip and writer Bill Snyder, and their book is beautifully written. If “courage is action in the face of fear,” Dr. Chanin’s life will inspire each of us to conquer our own most difficult times.
Dennis Wholey
Author, When the Worst that Can Happen Already Has: Conquering Life’s Most Difficult Times, and host, This Is America & The World
This is an inspiring story with its message of determination, resilience, and the ability to find light in the darkest of circumstances. A truly uplifting tale of triumph over tragedy.
Stephen Doster
Author of Georgia Witness, Her Finest Hour, and Jesus -