On Saturday, I celebrated the launch of our book, TOUGH: Women Who Survived Cancer. Along with Marquina and more than a dozen inspiring survivors who I’m featured with, we celebrated our book’s release (which already has more than 100 reviews on Amazon and has made it onto 5 best sellers lists) and signed copies for the countless supporters who came to Automatic Studios in Brooklyn for the launch party.
It was such a sight to see the book in print right as I entered the party. It marked the first time I’ve held the actual book and it was a very emotional moment to have something tangible to hold and know that I contributed to it. To have my story live on in this beautiful piece of work and alongside so many other amazing women (some of whom I’ve now gotten to meet in person) really touched me and is a moment I will remember forever.
Writing my chapter for the book was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. While I have shared my story countless times on the blog, social media, and in articles, knowing that this book would be seen by so many added some pressure to the writing process. Finding a new way to tell my story was difficult, but realizing how much my perspective had changed since that first draft at age 26, was amazing to witness. While I will spare you the details on the many versions I wrote of this chapter and the rounds of edits I put myself (and others through), I think the final piece was worth agonizing over every word. I am beyond proud of my chapter and am thrilled to finally see it in print.
Marquina, who deserves a ton of praise for spearheading the book, organizing the Share Triumph Virtual Conference last month, and arranging the launch party, is a true inspiration and I will be forever grateful for all of her support, encouragement, and friendship. I know that this book is going to help so many people in their journeys and I am thankful that she included my story and my voice to the narrative.
It was a special honor to be able to sign copies along with some of the other survivors who were featured for everyone in attendance. I was so grateful that Dr. Eleonora Teplinksy, a New Jersey-based oncologist, who recently featured me on her Interlude podcast was able to join us for the evening. I always love when I’m can connect with people I meet through Instagram in real life.
So, now that the book is out, I hope you will all support TOUGH: Women Who Survived Cancer. I have a bunch of copies that I picked up at the launch party (that I might part with, if you message me) or you can order the book on Amazon, here.
Thank you to everyone who has followed along with me on my journey and who continues to support my advocacy efforts. It means so much to me!
P.S. – I’m hosting a special donation-based reformer Pilates class at Flex Studios in Woodbury, NY on Wednesday, September 25th at 6:30 pm. All proceeds will benefit the Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association (ThyCa) for Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. Comment below for more information or to reserve a spot. Space is limited!
*Photography courtesy of Dennis Cahlo.
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