It Takes 2. Debbie’s Climb & The Dream: It’s Just About… Life.

The struggles I’m facing, the chances I’m taking,
sometimes might knock me down, but no I’m not breaking.
I may not know it, but these are the moments,
I’m gonna remember most, yeah, just gotta keep going.
And I, gotta be strong, just keep pushing on….

And that she did. Diagnosed April 13th, 2012, with breast cancer, my wife Debbie started her climb back.

The lyrics above, from “The Climb”, penned by Jesse Alexander and John Mabe… pretty much summed up my wife’s year as she battled and was victorious against maybe the most humiliating of cancers. A beast which can rob beautiful women of a unique and life-sustaining feature and force them to make a choice…to fight, or die.

May 10th 2013, we celebrated a milestone we won’t soon forget, Debbie’s watershed moment, one-year cancer-free. During the days that preceded that day, I started a journal and chronicled much of what took place… my wife’s brave decision to defeat the cancer, her courageous battle back to good health and my part in and perspective on it all.

30 days from today, on September 19th, as part of an exclusive event, that journal will be introduced as a book, It Takes Two. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story. I have been honored that day with the opportunity to be master of ceremonies for, “The Breast Lunch Ever”, (www.breastlunchever.com), at the Woodholme Country Club near Baltimore. The event benefits the Tyanna Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of breast cancer patients. The foundation is dedicated to the memory of Tyanna Barre O’Brien, who lost her battle with breast cancer in 1990 at age 48. Tyanna’s legacy continues today through the work of her daughters Anne, Bridget, Megan, Sara & Kate O’Brien. More on the foundation and that unique event in the days to come.

Copies of the book will be offered that day and the book will go into wide release in paperback and as an e-book one week later on September 26th, just a few days before October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

My goal, to share our story in the desire to help others, set expectations, raise awareness and share a message of hope with the world, more specifically those about to embark on the journey, or those already riding down the jagged road of twists and turns.

The story is told mostly through my eyes and the observations of my wifes’ struggle and victory over her illness, as well as with the help of those who followed our journey, and offered their own words of support and inspiration. It is a permanent tribute a beautiful survivor and a true hero. The book will also include a foreword by Debbie’s sister, a special entry from her Mom and in Debbie’s own words, a message of realization,gratitude and hope.

We welcome you to be a part. More information on the book and e-book, the proceeds to charity and other details will be released in the days and weeks to come. It is my sincere wish to make a difference by sharing these intimate thoughts and moments of our life, to help and inspire others who might be struggling to see the light. If our story can serve as a beacon of hope and love, it will all be worth it.

There’s always gonna be another mountain
I’m always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Sometimes I’m gonna have to lose
Ain’t about how fast I get there,
ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side
It’s the climb.

In many ways Debbie’s still making the climb,we have one more important physical, aesthetic step ahead of us. And as far as the emotional journey, I don’t believe you ever reach the top of the mountain. You might make it move, but it doesn’t really get out of view. However the time has come to share and take the movement one step further. Make it permanent, make it matter, make it inspirational and make a difference.

My dream team is already helping to making it happen: It Takes Two. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story. Coming soon.

Thanks for caring,