Today’s giveaway is a special one – one reader will win a copy of the book, “Because Of Katie.”
This is a book I wish everyone could read. An important real life story of a ray of sunshine named Katie, and her cancer diagnosis. The book takes you through her story, from diagnosis, treatment, surgery, recovery, relapse and beyond. It is a story by her mother, Karen Gerstenberger, told as only a Mother could.
I’ve never met Karen, but my heart feels bonded to hers. I felt a connection to her before reading her book, for her comments and online notes to me during my cancer journey always stood out. I knew she was a mother who just knew, and I was often overwhelmed by her understanding and kindness through words, to me.
After reading “Because of Katie,” my connection feels much deeper. Karen wrote this book, exposing her mothers heart for all of us to know and learn from. She shares this beautiful daughter of hers, and allows us as readers to learn what a journey with cancer can look like for families. She writes in such an intimate and honest way, so much so that I felt like I was there with her. She exposes the reality of what this disease can do, and does do. She shows what families most need at such a time of crisis. She teaches us how to fight for the best care for our loved ones. She has gentle words of wisdom for care providers and those who work in the medical community.
Karen sent me her book to read, I received it on a Friday afternoon, and started reading it right away. I read all that evening. I had a really hard time putting it down in order to participate in our ‘Friday Family Night.’ I read late into the night and finished the book the very next day, mid morning! It drew me in and although I finished the book, its content has not let me go.
Katie, I will always remember you and your beautiful spirit. Karen, just..Thank you.
____________
Karen has been asked to speak about their journey to many groups and felt that the best way to tell Katie’s story (and her family’s), and to help others, was to write it down. The book is written to stand alone, or to accompany a video which she is finishing, to teach residents about family-and patient-centered care.
She has generously given us a copy of her book for this weeks giveaway, but if you would rather just order the book immediately, you can order it from Amazon:
tweet about the book and then let us know about it in comments
share about the book on Facebook and then let us know in comments
The winners of the Prairie Homestead Giveaway are:
Mindy
March 30, 2012 at 7:59 pmThank you for this opportunity! I’m now following Karen’s blog.
Steffany
March 27, 2012 at 6:49 pmI am now following Karen’s blog…THANK YOU, Amy! I have brain cancer and my husband is my loving caregiver–this book could speak volumes to both of us, I’m certain.
AnnDeO
March 26, 2012 at 5:14 pmI follow Karen’s blog – love it.
Mommy Moxie
March 26, 2012 at 3:09 pmI follow New Nostalgia!
Mommy Moxie
March 26, 2012 at 3:06 pmI follow Karen’s blog!
Lori B
March 25, 2012 at 2:12 amAs the mother of a cancer survivor who is at high risk to develop a rare form of leukemia, this sounds like a book I must read.
Joyce Shelton
March 24, 2012 at 8:08 pmI shared about the book on facebook.
Joyce Shelton
March 24, 2012 at 8:06 pmI am following Katie’s blog! @}~
CallMeT
March 24, 2012 at 8:28 pmI follow Katie’s blog.
kathy w
March 24, 2012 at 6:29 pmI liked you on FB.
kathy w
March 24, 2012 at 6:28 pmI subscribe to your emails.
kathy w
March 24, 2012 at 6:27 pmI would love to read this book, it seems like such a inspirational read.
Becky Grant
March 24, 2012 at 2:48 pmI follow New Nostalgia on Pinterest!
Becky Grant
March 24, 2012 at 2:48 pmI follow New Nostalgia on FB!
karen gerstenberger
March 24, 2012 at 2:34 pmDear Amy, thank YOU. God bless you!