Stroke Recovery Update

I have been working hard and it is paying off.  I am now wwalking  without the walker or the cane .  I washed a load of clothes and folded them.  I am using both hands to type this so I may have a few typos, but the more I type the better the left hand will get.  It just shows that determination and believing that you can will go a     long waytoward reaching a goal.   It takes hard work and keep thinking  

I think I can.Ithink I can. I will!!!!”        “Being strong-willed is not enough, however. You also have to be hard on yourself. Someone who was strong-willed but self-indulgent would not be called determined. Determination implies your willfulness is balanced by discipline.”
― Paul Graham        

Armor for Survival

Let me love

       though love

             may go unrequited,

An empty heart

       is much heavier

             than a stone.

Let me have faith,

           though faith

                be often blighted,

Without it

       we are not

             strong enough

                    to walk alone.

Sharing Wonderful Things Happening on the Rocky Road this Week

Tomorrow is the big day for the book launch reception.  I have been busy all week getting ready for it outside of my day job.  I will let you know all about how it went.  Plans are to video tape some of it, and my presentation.  If it turns out, I will share that as well.  I still have a lot of things to do before 2 p.m. tomorrow. 

So many nice things have happened this week, I will share a few.

Lilian Gafney posted a lovely review of the book on Amazon.  This is a portion of what she wrote; the rest is where she posted it on the books page at: http://www.amazon.com/Traveling-Rocky-Road-Love-Faith/dp/1463554672/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

“This amazing book has it all, from terrible news to lighter humor. It all happened when a large raccoon was found on their exercycle in the morning room. He was sitting on the bike with his hands on the handle trying to figure out how to work it. This book is a valuable addition to those suffering from cancer and at the same time for those who have their health. Many times in life we agonize over the small dramas and forget the most important thing: that we’re here on earth to enjoy life as best as we can and to forgo the insignificant events in our lives. This book teaches just that.”~ Lilian Gafney

Then I receive an email from a former student who wrote to tell me she had purchased the book and had read it.  I can’t even explain how I felt when I read it, but I can tell you I was teary eyed.  This is what she wrote:

“I purchased your book Traveling a Rocky Road With Love, Faith, and Guts...and I read it! It was a good read. I don't know exactly what to say about your story but I do admire your heart and strength, your "GUTS". I wanted to let you know that I'm glad I read your book and I feel blessed to have been taught by & crossed paths with such a woman and what an amazing woman you are!”

I, also, stopped by WJBF to see my friend Jennie Montgomery.  She has been so supportive in my quest to bring about bladder cancer awareness, and to help the American Bladder Cancer Society. Later, I discovered that she had posted a message about the book and a story on the station’s website.  How fantastic.  Thank you, Jennie. Here is the link to that news item:  http://www2.wjbf.com/news/2012/mar/21/sylvia-l-ramsey-reception-and-booksigning-ar-3455046/ .

The book is selling even though it hasn’t been enough time to get it listed in the book distributors’ catalogs.  I have had emails wanting to know where it can be purchased.  For now, it is Amazon.  However, by the middle of next month, it should be available for bookstores, and libraries to order.

Look for an update on the book launch reception as soon as I catch my breath. 

Nominated and Selected as Today's Honoree! Wow, What an Honor! A Win for Bladder Cancer!

I was amazed and delighted that I was nominated and selected as a Today's Honoree.  I am always delighted when someone helps spread the word about bladder cancer, or does something that helps their fellowman/woman.  What a wonderful thing to happen.  I hope all of you who read this visit, or at least find out what the risks and symptoms of bladder cancer are at the American Bladder Cancer Society at http://www.bladdercancersupport.org.  A big thank you to the person who nominated me! 

My friend Dr. Aman Kay and I proofed the new book and I had to make a couple of changes on my book, Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts.  However, I think it will be very soon and the book will be available.  I have to follow-up on my launching plans, and schedule some booksignings. Once I get a copy of my book, I have a review lined-up.  I have ordered bookmarks to give away, and I have business cards.  Any suggestions on what else I should do besides work on my online marketing. 

I just completed the questionnaire for an interview on my children's book, Merchild Land.  I will let you know when that will be available.

This waiting and anticipation is not a comfortable place for me.  My hands are tied in many ways.  All I can do, is to look for ways to promote bladder cancer and the books so the sales will help out with the quest that it is no longer underserved and unknown.

Others Who Have Traveled the Rocky Road of Bladder Cancer

Here is why I want to help others, the victims of an underserved cancer in spite of its prevalence for being ranked #5 in the United States. 

In 2012, about 56,000 men and 18,000 women will be diagnosed with bladder cancer in the United States. There are approximately 600,000 survivors of this cancer in the United States.  There should be more, and could be if it was diagnosed early enough. 

You may think that you do not know anyone who has had bladder cancer.  Let us see if you know any of these people:

·       Frank Sinatra

·       Telly Savalas

·        Dominick Donne

·        Andy Williams

·        Jack Lemmon

·        Herbert Humphrey

·        Ray Bolger

·        Mary Lou Williams

·        Ronald Edward Santo

·        Aaron Russo

·        Allen Ludden

·        George Tobias

·        William Rosenberg

·        Jimmy Martin

·        Nick Charles

·        Bob Schieffer

·        Patti Hansen

·       Eric McCormack's mother

·       Tommy Newsom.

 Do you know of more?

There are definite risk factors for developing bladder cancer.  There are even occupations that are high-risk for this cancer.  Learn more about these on the American Bladder Cancer's Website at: http://www.bladdercancersupport.org./ 

If you do not buy my book, if you do not donate directly...pass this along..post on your facebook, tweet it, whatever site and wherever you interact with others. please share this information, post a link to the blog or to the ABLCS' webpage.  You never know who you may help...and please become informed yourself.

My sites:

Authors Den: http://www.authorsden.com/sylvialramsey1 

Original webpage:  www.sylvialramsey.com

My blogs: 

Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith, and Guts,

 http://love-faith-and-guts.blogspot.com/

Thoughtful Reflections Blogspot

http://wwwthouhtfulreflections.blogspot.com/

My Amazon Author Central Page:

http://www.amazon.com/Sylvia-L-Ramsey/e/B002BMJ5NI/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0