CELEBRATION OF LIFE by Colleen Nagle Kisel

About the book

Celebration of Life is a true life account of a seven-year-old boy who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a form of childhood cancer better known as ALL. The story is written in a journal form, from a mother to her child.

The journal tells the story of a family buried in crisis. It relates the difficulties placed on family and marriage. It offers new views on human relationships and mankind's basic goodness. It examines the role of spiritual resources and probes emotions in crisis from shock, disbelief, fear and anger to acceptance, resolution and personal growth.

The story begins with the child's diagnoses and parental reaction to the news. As the story continues, it details the continuous and often agonizing treatment and protocol the child must endure. It provides facts and information about the three phases of treatment for ALL.

The stress and emotions experienced by all family members are described and the importance of extended family love, support and involvement during crises is illustrated. Trauma associated with chemotherapy is also described. Furthermore, a mother's disintegration as she struggles for emotional stability is clearly and powerfully depicted.

The story concludes as the family rejoices after more than two and a half years of leukemia treatment are successfully completed.

Celebration of Life provides accurate, up-to-date material on treatment protocol for childhood leukemia and deals with the emotional implications of the disease in a positive, life-affirming manner. Above all, Celebration of Life is about hope and faith. The child depicted in this story survives the disease, unlike many other children who perish or relapse.

Celebration of Life is a story of bravery, hope and spiritual growth in the face of devastating odds. It goes much further than telling the story of a young boy's struggle with the disease. It's about good days and bad days. It's about tragedy and triumph. It's about faith, hope and survival. It's a story full of information, education, emotional turmoil and support. But most of all, Celebration of Life is about survival.

About the author

Colleen Nagle Kisel has long established her career in professional communications. She heads her own business, speaking to and training groups in communication skills and customer service. Her special focus is the beauty business, in which she addresses hair stylists, teachers and students. She is also a hair stylist of an upscale salon. President of the Oak Forest (IL) Toastmasters Club, Ms. Kisel is an "Able Toastmaster". She is a graduate of the prestigious Gabriel Richard Institute Leadership Course. Colleen is the Founder and Executive Director of the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation. The foundation supports more than 1,000 children monthly who have been diagnosed with cancer in five area hospitals by providing toys after every procedure while undergoing treatment for cancer. An article on her son's leukemia has already been published in the Candlelighters Childhood Foundation newsletter. Colleen is the mother of Tommy, 14, and Martin, 12, about whom Celebration of Life is written.