Don't Ever Look Down: Surviving Cancer Together

I've told you before about this amazing book written by my friends Dick & Debbie Church. I had the honor of co-authoring their story (meaning I helped them get it in print but the story is all theirs!) Next weekend, I'll be meeting up with Dick & Deb down in Largo, Florida, where they'll be presenting a seminar on Saturday morning, April 30th, at the First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks. With a tremendous amount of help from our friend Teresa Nardozzi, Women's Director at FBCIR, the church has graciously allowed Dick & Deb to bring their story to life.

This won't be "just another boring seminar" . . . not by any stretch of the imagination! As I've mentioned before, this is a most unique story. Debbie has been an oncology counselor for almost 19 years. In 2008, the counselor became the patient when she was diagnosed with Stage IIIA breast cancer. Radiation, chemo, and a double mastectomy followed, giving her an "up close & personal" experience that is surely every woman's worst nightmare. Yet, through it all Deb's faith remained strong, even as she suffered through the darkest days of her illness. Now, three years later, she's back at work with a forever-altered perspective to offer those she counsels.

Deb's husband Dick is in the ministry, currently working for the North American Mission Board outside of Atlanta. Previous to his role at NAMB, he served on several church staffs (including FBCIR) as minister of education. He's also an avid mountain climber. He knows all about the dangers and fears involved with climbing some of the highest peaks in the world (that's him at the left on Mt. Hood) . . . and it's that perspective that gave him the perfect advice to offer Deb during her excruciating months of cancer: "don't ever look down!"

At the upcoming seminar, Dick will take us along on a climb, allowing us to experience the unique point of view that can only come by scaling mountaintops. Debbie will give us a peek into some of her counseling sessions, showing us first-hand the kind of issues she deals with day in and day out. A skit will remind us what NOT to say to someone who's dealing with cancer. There will be a question and answer session and so much more. We'll laugh, we'll cry, and we'll witness a geniune love story that's been through the fire of cancer.

I'm so proud of Dick & Debbie and how they have quite literally taken the heartbreaking journey that was laid out before them and used it to help others. I believe with all my heart that their book could easily become an international handbook for those diagnosed with cancer, their spouses, family members, friends, and caregivers. Yes, it's THAT good. And let's face it - every single one of us have been touched by cancer, whether personally or through someone we know. If you can't join us in Florida next weekend, please keep us in your pryaers. And by all means order the book! Because Dick & Deb aren't just trying to sell books, they have a message you need to hear.

For more information about the seminar, click HERE. The event is free but registration is required. Breakfast served at 8:00!

To order a copy of Don't Ever Look Down: Surviving Cancer Together, go HERE.

To visit Dick & Deb's website, go HERE.

Until we meet again, Happy Easter everyone! God bless you as you remember His gift to you in the resurrection of Jesus Christ!