Cancer Awareness

Authors who fight cancer, support organizations to eradicate the disease, or have family and/or friends with it.

  • Author Interviews,  Cancer Awareness

    Fear – the dreaded words “You have cancer.” Author Pia Manning @piamanning3 #RLFblog #CancerAwareness #Authors

    Dreaded words "You have cancer." Author Pia Manning @piamanning3 #RLFblog #CancerAwareness #Authors

    All my fears – of surgery, radiation, chemo, puking my guts out on a daily basis, losing every hair on my body, and dying – every one of them walked into the exam room right along with the guy in the white coat.

    And then he uttered those words we all dread hearing: “You have cancer.”

    The world, your world, stops.

    I know this from personal experience as both myself, my husband and several other family members have heard those words. I’m not sure anyone can say they don’t know someone who has been touched by cancer.

    Sure, we try to reduce our risk factors – quit smoking, lessen alcohol consumption, eat right, and exercise – you’ve probably heard this before. Unfortunately, there are factors that simply cannot be minimized. Everyone ages. Family history based on genetics can be a harbinger of future disasters waiting to happen.

    That’s scary as hell.

    One way to combat the risks associated with aging, lifestyle risks, and genetics is through early detection. No one (that I know of anyway) wants a colonoscopy or a pap smear, but the exams find cancer in its early stages. Other tests are simple blood draws, like the PSA (Prostate-specific Antigen) test, which measures a protein associated with prostate cancer.

    The love of my life celebrated his thirteenth cancer-free year because a PSA test found his disease before it spread.

    For women, a mammogram is the best way to protect themselves against dying of breast cancer. Caught early, breast cancer is highly curable. I have been cancer free for fifteen years.

    This does not mean that I worry any less when the mammogram reminder pops up on the calendar every year. A parade of ‘what ifs’ prances through my head. Should I cancel this year’s test? After all, I can’t feel any lumps – not that I felt my tumor fifteen years ago. Neither could the surgeon. And there it is. The reason I need to make that appointment. I shove the fear aside and call.

    In the years post-diagnosis, My husband and I have experienced the joy of watching our children fall in love and had the pleasure of welcoming their wonderful spouses to our family. We’ve played with our grandchildren. Hugged each other. There have been countless joyful experiences that, but for our screening tests, we might not have had.

    Isn’t that reason enough to pick up your phone?

    P.S. Still scared? That’s okay. If you’d like to talk about it, email me: at piamanning@yahoo.com. Or contact me through my website at: www.piamanning.com

    Pia Manning Social Media

    I live in the northwoods territory of Wisconsin with my spousal unit, Blondie girl, and three spoiled felines. When not writing, I can be found dog walking, reading, playing Clash of Clans or crocheting.
    Twitter https://twitter.com/piamanning3
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pia.manning.71

  • Cancer Awareness,  Gay or MM

    Life with Cancer is a journey onward – Lloyd A Meeker author of The Companion @LloydAMeeker #RLFblog #GayRomance #CancerAwareness

    Life with Cancer is a journey onward - Lloyd A Meeker author of The Companion @LloydAMeeker #RLFblog #GayRomance #CancerAwarenessOver the last year I’ve re-learned that my experience with cancer is a journey, and I’m not necessarily finished when I think I am. To honor this stage of my life, I now often sign correspondence with the closing, “Onward”. Onward is one directive I know to be relevant about my life journey. Plans, not so much. This is an update on my journey, both figurative and literal.
    During Cancer Awareness Week in 2019, I shared how prostate cancer saved my life — that during pre-op screening I learned I first needed a quadruple bypass. Unexpected Detour! I’d had no symptoms, never been seriously overweight and had always kept a basic level of fitness, but my heart’s arteries were 98% blocked. So we took care of that, and then I had the prostate surgery. The cancer in the prostate was a little outside the margins, but there was nothing in the lymph glands they removed. Good news. So, onward.
    Last summer, my PSA number began to climb, and living without a prostate I understood it was a red flag I couldn’t ignore, much as I wanted to. Not what I’d planned on. Suddenly, both my husband Bob and I were dealing with unexpected health challenges.
    In one of those intimate, tender, deep, calm, no-holds-barred conversations partners can have, we decided this was a sign. It was time to change our lives and live a different way. We decided to sell our house in south Florida, and rent for a year as we prepared to move to Europe. I know we’re not supposed to talk politics here, but I’d be lying to you if I omitted that one of the factors in our decision was the cultural and legal deterioration for men like me and Bob in the US, and especially in Florida. One of the factors, not the only.
    So Bob got his pacemaker, and I scheduled hormone therapy and 34 radiation sessions. I resolved to start taking mandolin lessons again, as I realized making music was an important but neglected part of how I want to live. I hope to one day play and sing with others in a jam. Onward!
    Our house sold quickly in the hot market, and ensconced in our Fort Lauderdale rental apartment we set about preparing for an open-ended European adventure. The preparation took more time than I expected – so many moving parts. After research, we set our sights on a French long-stay visa good for a year and renewable for a second. Our plan was to rent for relatively short (3 months or so) periods in Spain and various spots in France, getting a feel for places in those countries so when our visa was getting close to ending, we could decide whether we wanted to renew, apply for permanent residence, or return to the US. We even created a FB page: Two Old Men Move to Europe.
    On October 8th, just a couple of weeks ago, it happened. We flew to Paris and began our grand, silver-haired adventure/experiment. We’re now in Málaga, Spain, where we’ll stay until the end of January. Then it’s back to France for the rest of the year.
    In the middle of all this, in March I found an agent who was ready to go to bat for me and my work. Even as I write, the amazing Amy Collins of Talcott Notch Agency is flogging my latest project, The Garden Witch. Onward, to who knows where?
    Living post-cancer is as much part of the journey as diagnosis and treatment. Same journey, different country, so to speak. While it also wasn’t the deciding factor, my cancer warning signs certainly contributed to our decision to translate our health/age/bucket list journeys into a geographical one. There’s no time to waste — adventure awaits!
    Onward…

    The Companion by Lloyd Meeker

    Genre Gay Romance, Suspense

    Heat level R

    Shepherd Bucknam hasn’t had a lover in more than a decade and doesn’t need one. As a Daka, he coaches men in the sacred art and mystery of sexual ecstasy all the time, and he loves his work. It’s his calling. In fact, he’s perfectly content—except for the terrors of his recurring nightmare and the ominous blood-red birthmarks on his neck. He’s convinced that together they foretell his early and violent death.
    When Shepherd’s young protégé is murdered, LAPD Detective Marco Fidanza gets the case. The two men are worlds apart: Marco has fought hard for everything he’s accomplished, in sharp contrast to the apparent ease of Shepherd’s inherited wealth—but their mutual attraction is too hot for either of them to ignore.
    Shepherd swears he’ll help find his protégé’s killer, but Marco warns him to stay out of it. When an influential politician is implicated, the police investigation grinds to a halt. Shepherd hires his own investigator. Marco calls it dangerous meddling. As their volatile relationship deepens, Shepherd discovers his nightmares might not relate to the future, but to the deadly legacy of a past life—a life he may have to revisit before he can fully live and love in this one.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09VCPK5YK/

    Lloyd A Meeker Social Media

    Born on a farm in the Colorado foothills and having led what can only be described as a checkered life, Lloyd Meeker can honestly say he’s grateful for all of it. He’s been a minister, an office worker, a janitor, a drinker, and a software developer on his way to finishing his first novel in 2004. He is a three-time cancer survivor.
    A number of his stories have been published, including Traveling Light (DSP Publications), Enigma (Wilde City Press), Blood and Dirt (Wilde City Press), Blood Royal, (Wild Rose Press) and Stone and Shell (NineStar Press). His novel The Companion (Dreamspinner Press) was a finalist in the 2015 Lambda Literary Awards.
    Meeker and his husband have been together since 2002. Between them they have four children and five grandchildren. They live in south Florida, and work hard to keep up with the astonishing life they’ve created.
    Twitter https://twitter.com/LloydAMeeker
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lloyd.a.meeker
    Amazon Author page https://www.amazon.com/Lloyd-A.-Meeker/e/B008FC5VF4

     

  • Anthology,  Cancer Awareness

    Authors and Dancers Against Cancer #anthology Get the inside scoop on Cosette Binet from The Red Slippers by Ruth A Casie @RuthACasie #RLFblog #Historical #Regency

    Authors and Dancers Against Cancer #anthology Get the inside scoop on Cosette Binet from The Red Slippers by Ruth A. Casie @RuthACasie #RLFblog #Historical #RegencyFrom Ruth A Casie: This story is on pre-order and releases Nov 30, and was part of the Authors and Dancers Against Cancer anthology, The Write to Dance. I have gone to their Conference in Ohio since its inception before the pandemic. Their next one will be in 2024.

    Dancers Against Cancer (DAC), helps the dancing community fight cancer. The organization hosts fundraising events and benefit dance concerts, to educate and provide a platform for impacted dancers.

    A group of authors partnered with DAC and created Authors and Dancers Against Cancer (ADAC), to bring awareness and to support DAC as they demonstrate how the arts of all types can really make a difference.

    Authors and Dancers Against Cancer holds book signing events in Ohio. This past year, nineteen amazing authors from different genres got together for one great cause and created an anthology The Write to Dance in which The Red Slippers originally appeared.

    ~~~

    A ballerina obsessed with perfection. A man who will do anything to grant her wish. Are the second-hand red slippers he found magical, or is he the only one who can conjure the spell and make her the world’s greatest ballerina?

    Ruth, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about The Red Slippers.

    The Red Slippers by Ruth A. Casie

    Genre: HistoricalRegencyRomance,

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): Sweet

    It will take magic for Cosette to believe in her abilities.
    Is Avery the only one who can conjure the spell?

    Cosette Binet has been in the service to Queen Marie of France, since she was a young girl. She watched private ballet performances for the queen and was fascinated by the great Marie Camargo’s footwork and high leaps. Cosette studied to become a ballerina and earned a rare opportunity to audition for the Paris Opera Ballet’s corps de ballet where she met and found her soul mate, Avery, the ballet director. Her first performance brought the audience to their feet, but when she was chosen for a principal part in another ballet, a fellow dancer had her doubting her ability and Avery’s devotion.

    While searching for additional dancers for the corps de ballet, ballet master, Avery Parsons DuBois, watched Cosette dance and was captivated when she performed a grand jetè that soared further and higher than anyone he has ever seen. Mesmerized, he was drawn to the dancer and fell in love with her. He offered her a position in the ballet, but when she began to doubt her ability and his love for her, he had to do something. He gave her red slippers and told her they were Marie Camargo’s dance shoes… filled with magic.

    Did the red slippers hold the magic that made her a great ballerina or was it Avery’s love?

    Insider Information about Cosette Binet Dubois

    Welcome! We’d like to know more about you. Please add info you’re comfortable sharing.

    Nickname:

    Age: Mon chéri, a lady never gives her age. Ah, but if you and reader promise not to breathe a word of it, I am in my late thirties.

    Gender: Female

    Birthplace: Paris, France

    Profession: I am a dancer in the Paris Opera Ballet Company.

    Please provide a physical description of yourself.

    In the world of classical ballet, our instrument is our body, which is complicated, diverse, functional, imposing and at the very least – aesthetically pleasing. What I mean is, my profession demands what I look like. In dance, the body creates the illusion that goes from head to toe, limbs and torso create the reach and length. Weight, bulk and bulges, and yes, breasts, must never interfere with a seamless, sculptured quality. The only place I can declare my individuality is my face and even then, often make up is used to make that part of fade so all that is seen are the shapes we create with our dancing and bodies.

    That is a long answer to tell you I have been describes as slight, willowy, without curves, and small waisted.

    What are your pronouns?

    Madam is my pronoun. It is more a title awarded to the company’s prima ballerina. It is how the dancers in the company address me.

    Do you believe in love at first sight?

    (Madam smiled and gave a slight chuckle) I would say it was love at our first dance. I remember it quite well. I could never forget it.

    I was waiting for my turn to audition for the ballet master, Avery Parsons. The orchestra was rehearsing. I was so nervous, and I needed to warm up. You see, I lived with my parents in an apartment at the palace. My parents both worked for the royal family. I had little room to practice. And here I was in a great room, the orchestra playing. I couldn’t not dance. I knew every step, every gesture.

    I never saw Avery standing at the door until I danced in front of him. I stopped not because he was there, but rather the next part was a pas de deux. I required a male partner. On cue, he began to dance with me. We have been dancing ever since.

    Do you believe in magic?

    How can I not. I did get my place on the corps de ballet and even a solo. I was nervous. Not only was I to dance for the Queen of France, but also for the great prima ballerina, my idol, Maria Carmago.

    No matter how much I practiced I wasn’t perfect enough. That was when Avery brought me a gift.

    It was the afternoon before the performance. He gave me red ballet slippers. They were tattered and used, but he told me they had belonged to Maria Carmago herself and held the magic that would make me a great dancer.

    I knew they weren’t the great ballerina’s dancing slippers. But I fell deeper in love with my Avery, if that is at all possible. He was all the magic I needed.

    What is your astrological sign?

    Avery is an excellent astrologer. He descends from a long line of druid grand masters. Of course he thinks that part of his family history is fantasy. I don’t know, there are times I believe he can make anything happen. But I digress. You asked about my astrological sign. I was born in early April mine is the fire sign, Aries.

    I’m told, mostly by Avery, that the sign fits me. I am a gifted, eager dancer that is intellectual and affectionate. I do try my best.

    Do you enjoy dressing up or prefer to dress casually?

    I dressed in my costume at every performance and never tired of it. I actually miss it. What I haven’t told you is I have had to leave my beloved dance. I have taken ill, quite ill, in fact.

    Avery has done everything he possibly could, but even my druid grand master cannot cure me.

    I am content to teach others, make them the best dancers they can be.

    If a place where you shop installed benches in various sections, where would you sit?

    If I were to sit on a bench, I would sit as close to my Avery as possible… wherever he was sitting. (a small chuckle) He would sit squarely in the center of the bench.

    What color best describes you?

    Red, the color of fire describes me best. I can sometimes be stubborn, volatile, and passionate.

    Who is the one person who can convince you to do something you know you shouldn’t?

    Avery. Avery. Avery.

    Where to buy The Red Slippers

    Amazon https://tinyurl.com/TheRedSlippers

    Ruth A Casie Social Media

    Ruth A Casie is a USA bestselling author. She writes historical adventures from the shores of medieval Scotland to the cobblestone streets of Regency London. Her stories embrace strong woman and the men who deserve them. Within the pages you’ll discover ‘edge-of-your-seat suspense, mind boggling drama, and heart melting emotions. Grab your favorite cup of tea, or an ale if you prefer, and join her heroes and heroines as they race across the pages to find their happily ever after.  Ruth hopes her stories are your next favorite adventures!

    Website https://ruthacasie.com/
    Blog http://www.ruthacasie.blogspot.com
    Twitter https://twitter.com/RuthACasie
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RuthACasie/
    Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/ruthacasie/
    Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4792909.Ruth_A_Casie
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Ruth-A.-Casie/e/B005V0YEVU/
    Newsletter http://ruthacasie.com/contact.html#newsletter

  • Cancer Awareness

    A Different Kind of Perfect by Karen Cino @karencino #RLFblog #WomensFiction #Romance

    A Different Kind of Perfect by Karen Cino @karencino #RLFblog #WomensFiction #Romance

    A diagnosis of breast cancer turns everyone's life upside down in Karen Cino's Women's Fiction Contemporary Romance, A Different Kind of Perfect.

    Will her friends and husband be able to help her get through what lies ahead?

    Karen, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I'm Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here!

    We're excited to find out more about your heroine, but first, tell us about A Different Kind of Perfect.

    A Different Kind of Perfect by Karen Cino

    Genre Womens Fiction Romance

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG17

    It is the grand opening of The Perfect Pitch. All the pieces fall into place until Francine's diagnosis of breast caner, throwing their live upside down. While Amy and Jason deal with the action from her family to their interracial relationship, Toni finds herself in another overbearing relationship with Pelicans third baseman Gary Thompson.

    In the midst of taking care of Francine and working at The Perfect Pitch, Richie gets a call from the owner of the Pelicans. He is offered a job as pitching coach for the team. Richie accepts the job, putting a huge strain on his marriage which affects all of them.

    Know the Heroine from A Different Kind of Perfect

    Here are some fun questions to help us know your heroine.

    It's late, she's bored. What does she do?

    She keeps herself busy by working at The Perfect Pitch.

    What kind of food would she impulse buy if hungry?

    Basically, she's a closet potato chip eater.

    Describe the kind of clothes she prefers to wear.

    Jeans and a nice shirt or sweater with a nice pair of shoes or boots are her go too. She dresses this way everyday regardless if she goes out or not.

    Does she know how to fix things?

    She can fix things if she had to. Her husband is the fix-it man or else he'll call someone in to help.

    She tried to do something and it went badly. Tell us about it.

    Francine is trying her best to get their sports bar, The Perfect Pitch, up and running. Problems getting the televisions to work and getting the cable company to come in is driving her crazy. The TVs won't work correctly.

    How does she act around children she doesn't know?

    Francine loves kids and can't wait to have her own. She interacts with the kids from the other players and always has a lollypop or a treat for the kids when there are events at the stadium.

    What is she like first thing in the morning?

    The morning is her favorite time of the day. Not saying that she doesn't wake up until 10 - 10:30.

    Can she use chopsticks?

    Yes! Chinese food is her favorite.

    Does she drink coffee? If so, how does she take it? If not, what does she drink instead?

    She loves coffee hot and iced. She adds two artificial sweeteners to her coffee and likes it darker than regular. Her favorite is pumpkin spice creamer.

    What apps would she have on her phone?

    Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Home Goods, Amazon, Weather and MLB

    Android or iPhone?

    iPhone

    Earrings or unpierced ears?

    Francine has pierced ears. She wears small diamond studs in her second holes and usually accompanies them with small hoop earrings.

    Tattoos or unadorned skin?

    Unadorned skin.

    Personal vehicle or public transport?

    Personal vehicle. Where she lives she doesn't have access to a bus or subway.

    Recycle or toss?

    Recycle. She does her part in helping the environment.

    Thanks for helping us get to know your heroine!

    Where to buy A Different Kind of Perfect

    Publisher Mandolay Press
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Karen-Cino-ebook/dp/B077LZDB54
    Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/760024

    Karen Cino Social Media

    Karen Cino is a multi-published author who has been writing since she was fourteen years old. She started her career by writing poetry, short stories and writing articles for her high school newspaper. After reading Jackie Collin's Lovers and Gamblers and Jacqueline Susann's, Valley of the Dolls, Karen found her niche. Karen loves writing about local places that people can relate to.
    Karen loves the summer, loves the beach. Her previous books were written and took place in various locations in Staten Island. Her Cookie Cutter Cozy Mystery Series takes place at the New Jersey Shore.
    Karen is a member of Women's Fiction Writers Association and Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America.
    Karen has two adult children, Michael Giordano, singer, songwriter and producer, and Nicole Giordano who works in Retail Management and is also a photographer. In 2015 Karen moved to the Jersey Shore.
    Website http://karencino.com
    Blog http://karencinobooks.com
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B008LCG31Y
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4444484.Karen_Cino
    Newsletter http://us8.campaign-archive1.com/home/?u=372e9cad72e3faf1c0a8b9a4e&id=9ac84ba873
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/karencino
    Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/Karen-Cino-296585170371401/
    Sign up for Karen's newsletter http://subscribepage.io/jGP7wi

  • Cancer Awareness,  Erotic

    Writing was the escape #CancerAwareness by Sara R Stewart author of Bound by Pride #Romance #RLFblog

    Welcome to day five of Cancer Awareness posts for 2021 on RLFblog. Today’s guest is Sara R Stewart.

    I’m a new author, having only three books out today and my newest release is Bound by Pride. Four years ago my mom was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiform, which is a fast-growing brain cancer for which no cure exists. She was given an average life expectancy of 14 months, but there were no guarantees. My mom’s cancer grew in the part of her brain that controls speech so one day everything was normal, and the next day they thought she must have had a stroke because she couldn’t speak properly any longer. I never got to talk to my mom again with her voice intact.

    I flew to where my mom was being rushed into brain surgery in California, and then moved her after she was safe to fly, to New Hampshire to live with me. We did radiation and chemotherapy and were so blessed to have 2.5 years where the cancer was on pause. My mom maintained an incredible attitude, and spirit despite being unable to speak and having so much to say. During this time, I was holding down a full-time job and threw myself into writing the book I’d been wanting to write my entire life to escape from the near-constant depression, anger, and grief of losing my mom slowly and having already lost my mom’s words. My mom was my biggest fan and always made me feel so loved.

    When the pandemic hit, having the kids home, and limiting the little mobility my mom had left hit us all hard. Then Mom’s cancer came back in full force in June of 2020, right before I published book 1 and 2 of my series in August and September. We did another brain surgery to remove what could be removed, followed by intensive radiation, and began chemotherapy again. It quickly became apparent that my mom wasn’t going to bounce back this time. Mom told me she was ready to go, and so in October of 2020 we discontinued treatment. Mom went into in-home hospice care in January of 2021, and then on the last Saturday of February, she passed.

    My writing was my escape, feeling like I had some control on what was happening around me and something I’m so grateful for. I have always love to read and used it to get through some of the most difficult times of my life so it only made sense that writing helped me to serve the same purpose. Cancer fucking sucks. I miss my mom every day, but she got to see me accomplish my dream before she passed and I’m so grateful for having that time with her.

    Bound by Pride by Sara R Stewart

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R

    Genre BDSM Erotic Contemporary Romance

    Business acquisition or BDSM takeover? Working in a male-dominated industry, Delia knows three things; she can sell anything, the only person she can count on is herself, and men are not to be trusted.

    John sees, acquires, and transforms companies. His legendary focus and control have made him rich while his ability to recognize and nurture talent routinely guarantees success. Promoting Delia based on merit is the right thing to do, even if he’d prefer her bound and kneeling at his feet.

    After finally being recognized for her hard work and effort, Delia wonders if this new boss is different from the men she’s known. Will these two end up in a mutually beneficial merger, or are they looking at a hostile takeover?

    Where to buy Bound by Pride – Book 3 in the Portland Lover Series

    Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/49nVYY

    Sara R Stewart Social Media

    Sara R Stewart grew up on a houseboat in Sausalito, CA as an anchor out. She went on to graduate from Mills College and then had a twenty-one-year career in the Business Travel Industry.

    Sara’s greatest passion has always been books. An avid reader, she loves how the romance genre can inspire emotions and dreams in even the most jaded of hearts.

    Sara lives in East Berkshire, Vermont with her partner and two daughters. She spends her days working in the Travel Industry and her nights writing adventuristic love stories with an erotic twist. If she ever had free time, she would spend it reading, dancing, traveling, rock climbing and day dreaming.

    Website https://sararstewarts.com/
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SaraRStewartAuthor
    Instagram https://www.instagram.com/author_sararstewart/
    Twitter https://twitter.com/SaraRStewart1
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20534290.Sara_R_Stewart
    BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sara-r-stewart
    TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sararstewartauthor?lang=en
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Sara-R-Stewart/e/B088BZ75PJ

     

  • Cancer Awareness

    Not mine, but others #CancerAwareness by Maggie Blackbird @BlackbirdMaggie author of Born For This #RLFblog #OwnVoices

    Not mine, but others #CancerAwareness by Maggie Blackbird @BlackbirdMaggie #RLFblog #OwnVoicesWelcome to day four of Cancer Awareness posts for 2021 on RLFblog. Today’s guest is Maggie Blackbird.

    Although I never experienced cancer firsthand, I did have this awful illness affect my life. Two people within my family battled cancer. My dad lost his fight this summer, and over a decade ago, my older sister faced this horrific disease and prevailed. Within my extended family, I have also watched one cousin, three uncles, and my grandfather succumb to cancer.

    While growing up, I didn’t hear too much about the big C. If it did happen, people were shocked and horrified. My BFF, at the tender age of nineteen, lost her dad to this cruel disease. Nowadays, it’s too common, and you know someone who is undergoing chemo, had radiation, or has passed away. Why it’s so common now, I am not sure.

    There are always fundraising dinners happening at the recreation centre on the reserve, because someone is always fighting this disease. A childhood friend was taken too soon from lung cancer. She left behind a devastated daughter, mother, and brother.

    Awareness is important, along with screening. I faithfully have three screenings done for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer, and urge others to do the same.

    Born for This – Maizemerized #1

    She’s always been obsessed with her ancestors, and now he’s offering her a chance to live with them…forever.

    Second-year university student Edie Whitecrow gobbles up each course on Indigenous studies. If only she could experience the lives of her Anishinaabe ancestors instead of reading about them. On her way to a Halloween party decked out as a historical Ojibway maiden, she spies a corn maze in a spot known to be barren.

    A scarecrow figure beckons Edie to enter with the enticing offer of making her biggest wish come true. She jumps at the chance and finds herself in the past, face to face with the man who haunts her dreams—the handsome brave Thunder Bear. He claims he’s spent twelve years waiting for Gitche Manidoo to send her to him.

    Life in the eighteenth century isn’t what Edie romanticized about, though. When her conscience is tested, she must choose between the modern day or the world of her descendants—where the man she was created for resides.

     

    Where to buy Born for This

    Publisher https://www.extasybooks.com/Born-for-This

    Maggie Blackbird Social Media

    An Ojibway from Northwestern Ontario, Maggie resides in the country with her husband and their fur babies, two beautiful Alaskan Malamutes. When she’s not writing, she can be found pulling weeds in the flower beds, mowing the huge lawn, walking the Mals deep in the bush, teeing up a ball at the golf course, fishing in the boat for walleye, or sitting on the deck at her sister’s house, making more wonderful memories with the people she loves most.
    Website https://maggieblackbird.com
    Blog https://maggieblackbird.com/blog
    Twitter https://twitter.com/BlackbirdMaggie/
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/maggieblackbirdauthor/
    Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/maggieblackbird
    BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/maggie-blackbird
    Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/Maggie-Blackbird/e/B07KQP1FFG
    Get to know Maggie Blackbird better by signing up for an email newsletter https://eepurl.com/gJu2VL