After an amazing life of challenges and accomplishments, including working their way out of poverty, my parents passed away knowing the boys they raised were capable adults. With their grandchildren arriving, who would never meet their grandparents, I was inspired to write a book for them and future generations.
Searching For Belonging chronicles my parents’ struggles, achievements, trials, and successes. Told through a blend of writing and photos, the book has made readers laugh, cry, and feel like they are sitting across from me at the kitchen table as I tell the tale. By the end, they even feel like they knew my family members.
During the year-long writing process, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Being hit with the diagnosis felt like having the rug pulled out from under me. My whole frame of reference changed, and I had so many questions. Was life soon to be over? What would I do? What treatment would I receive?
Thankfully, I stumbled upon the Prostate Cancer Patient Empowerment Program (PCPEP). This incredible research-based program, based at Dalhousie University, deals with cancer through a holistic approach, reducing risk of reoccurrence. By offering a wealth of verifiable scientific knowledge, compassionate support, and the opportunity to connect with others on a similar journey, PCPEP allows you to take the driver’s wheel, instead of leaving you to feel like a ball in a machine. Program leaders Rob and Gabriela bring so much positivity and hope, helping fear and stigma to melt away.
To somehow pay back the program that transformed my cancer journey, I decided to donate Searching For Belonging sale royalties to PCPEP. I was able to make a small donation to PCPEP last year and hope to make another this December.
I am currently working on my next book, What Are We Going To Do About David, a follow-up to my first. If I am able to publish it, I plan to donate the royalties to another important cause.
Searching For Belonging is available on www.amazon.ca. I wish you all good health and happiness!