Never Ever Give Up Hope

Dr. Robin McGee is a Registered Clinical Psychologist.  She has taught at the university level and has published in professional journals in the field of child psychology.   Dr. McGee was an active, fit woman in her forties when she developed frightening symptoms.  Four doctors either ignored her complaints or belittled them.  She waited TWO years for a diagnosis and by then, had stage three rectal cancer.   The Cancer Olympics is Robin's account of a gutsy, no-holds-barred middle-aged woman's fight against THREE formidable enemies:           Late-stage rectal cancer           The Medical establishment           Archaic government policies   The Cancer Olympics illustrates how a support blog for a cancer patient turned into an engine that challenged unfair drug policy. It illustrates how a community of ordinary people, connected by the internet via social media, formed a grassroots movement that tackled the government. And it illustrates how a supportive community can sustain the hope and even the life of those afflicted with catastrophic disease.   The Cancer Olympics was an International Book Award Finalist for Health/Cancer (2015) and a Readers’ Favorite Award Finalist for Grief/Hardship (2015). It was an Association of Independent Authors Book of the Month selection. Half proceeds go to the Canadian Cancer Association and the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada. It has raised over $4000 for these charities so far.   The Cancer Olympics is available from Amazon and Indigo.   Buying from the FriesenPress Bookstore maximizes the donation to cancer support programs.    Some quotes from independent reviewers:   "A page-turner...genuinely inspiring and uplifting...a David vs Goliath story...part drama, part mystery, part comedy, part suspense, and part research.  A brilliant read and an exceptional well-written story." - The Chronicle Herald, Halifax   "Through her flawless prose and deft narration, readers will find her memoir exceptional and well-written. As harsh as her struggle was, this is not a depressing memoir, but one that gives hope and advocates a patient's rights and well-being. This is a must-read for everyone." - Readers' Favorite   A must-listen interview for anyone who is fighting the medical "system" and needs support 

Lane Cobb is an author, speaker, and a life and wellness coach.  Certified by Coaches Training Institute, WellCoaches, LLC, and International Coaches Federation, Lane is committed to teaching women and girls how to have healthy bodies, healthy relationships, and healthy mind-sets.  With over 20 years of coaching experience, Lane brings a diverse and extensive body of knowledge to her speaking, coaching, and writing.   As a sought-after expert in the fields of transformation, motivation, and healing, Lane is an example to women who seek to ignite their passion, live their purpose and achieve their greatest potential. Lane is internationally certified in multiple coaching and healing modalities and is a graduate of Peak Potentials Train the Trainer Program. Lane says:   "Take the time to listen to someone tell their story.  There is healing in sharing your story -- everyone.....has a story."  

MaryLee MacDonald is an award-winning author, writing coach with a Master's in English/Creative Writing, and a caregiver advocate. She thought she was indestructible until life took a sudden turn.  She knows the stress long-term care as the main caregiver for her son-in-law who was afflicted with ALS. But that was not her first encounter with death of a loved one.  She knows the devastation of losing a spouse suddenly and the impact it makes on the entire family. Listen to MaryLee's story and you will be inspired.  Even more importantly, MaryLee will give you tips and coping skills to deal with these crises which can turn from a sprint into a marathon. Her website, Family Caregiver Support, is for anyone who has passed the ten-mile mark and can't yet see the finish line as they put their life on hold to care for a family member. Her novel, based on true-life experiences, Montpelier Tomorrow, immerses readers in what it is like to be sleep-deprived for months on end and what it's like to care for a patient who isn't especially noble or grateful.  She portrays a family under extreme stress of an ALS diagnosis.

Clare McAlaney, a best-selling author, has had a variety of careers before she found her true calling.  She was a policewoman who later became a prosecutor.  From there, she went to the corporate life while still earning degrees and seeking her creative self.   She established Creatavision Publishing by teaching herself what skills she needed in the field of marketing and branding.   But there were dark times in Clare's life. There was a time when she did not want to live another day - when hope was gone.     She is a pure example of someone who can turn their tragedies into victories.  She has only just begun her journey to pursue her dreams of success as a writer and publisher.     "Don't EVER Quit! When you do what you are put on this planet to do - you will become driven until you accomplish it"   Here is her exhilarating interview you will never forget

Cindy Sproles is an author, speaker, managing editor for Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals.  She is the executive editor and co-founder for Christian Devotions Ministries.     Her dream is to do nothing more than craft words that speak from the heart.  Her best-selling novel, Mercy Rains, addresses the tough subject of child sexual and physical abuse.   Even though it is set in another century it will take you to places you may not want to go but must...... as it addresses a current problem.     Her best-selling novel, Mercy Rains, is available on Amazon -- “At once chilling and compelling in its honest portrayal of nineteenth-century mountain life, Mercy’s Rain is a beautifully written story of man’s depravity and God’s mercy. Its pages are filled with memorable characters and gripping scenes, and at its heart is a message you won’t soon forget.” —Ann Tatlock   

Michelle Christoffels, an author of No Glory For Me, was Australia's first registered, professional, female boxer, dual UNDEFEATED Victorian Champion and Australian Champion Kickboxer.   But there was a time in Michelle's life when she had a serious downfall, spending time in psychiatric care and a criminal conviction.   She went from street gangs to making national headlines -- she paid the price for fame! Just before her first professional match, she was drugged/raped by her manager and started her life on a downward spiral. Telling her story in this interview, she shares from her heart in a way that will keep you captivated.  She was considered Australia's toughest woman (and also a cop) yet was falling apart on the inside in the battle of her life/career.  As you listen you will realize that someone out there can HELP you, has felt your pain and can offer support uniquely and honestly. Her memoir, No Glory For Me, starts with a courtroom drama -- you don't want to miss this compelling story. Listen to this woman's incredible plight from fame to devastation and finally....success.  

Lois Hollis entered the world of Open Heart Surgery as a registered nurse 50 years ago.  She went on to help develop one of the first Kidney Hemodialysis Units in the country. Today she has established a field of study as a Shame/Guilt Educator.  Her newly released book, Emotional Revolution = Evolution:  Releasing Shame/Guilt is a self-help guide to help us understand shame and guilt and the impact it can have on our lives. "Shame and guilt are not ours to own.....or to give!" "Guilt is the echo of shame that describes our unworthiness." Lois has a unique insight that she shares in her interview.  You will be educated and motivated!  

Kay Kei has a BC in Geophysics and a MS from Berkeley School of Engineering.  She is a certified Herb Practitioner and Soul Coach and a best-selling author.  She has worked as a geophysicist and also ran her own business as a condominium developer/builder for 15 years. One of the most exciting things about Kei is that she had declining health for four decades and after a diagnosis of breast cancer was able to take control of her health and realize optimum health for the past eight years.  She shares her journey of how she accomplished that. Kay is an energetic, intelligent, interesting guest who I thoroughly enjoyed having on my show.   In her first interview on Never Ever Give Up Hope (click here) she gave us insight into how to reprogram your brain to deal with STRESS.   In her interview today she shares how YOU too can have Optimum Health!  She wants to connect with you and help you on your journey to wellness and healthy eating.  She will guide you and help you to realize that improved health is easily within your reach. You will be delighted, educated and motivated when you listen to her interview.

CeeCee James has written a series of memoirs that you will never be able to forget.  Absolutely. Guaranteed. In her interview, I was at a loss for words. Having heard many stories of abuse, I never heard one as intense as CeeCee's. She is an incredibly gentle, warm woman who survived horrendous pain, neglect and hatred by her mother. Listening to her story, you will be drawn to tears and anger - as you hear CeeCee share how the only touch she had ever known as a child was one of pain. At TWO WEEKS old, her father burned CeeCee's face/body with an iron.  Her mother refused to feed or change her diaper because she did not want to be manipulated by a baby's cries. She wanted to teach her NOT to cry.  This is only the beginning of a lifetime of trauma.   She never remembers a time when she was not hungry....or cold.....or alone.....or hated.   Yet, all CeeCee ever wanted was.... love. Even as a toddler she worked hard to please her mother, hoping for one gentle touch or one kind word.  She never got one! EVER!   CeeCee holds no animosity.  No bitterness. No unforgiveness.  No blame.  Instead, she understands the true necessity to forgive and move forward.  Her humility is unique, feeling that many others could have suffered more and is not looking for sympathy.    She only wants people to understand how to let go of the past, and hang onto hope -- the only thread to survival.

Keith Dion has had an astounding career as a musician, songwriter, producer, and filmmaker.   But the story of what made this musician great goes much deeper.  What made this musician great is an incredible story of tenacity.   Severely abused and then abandoned by his parents, he determined he would succeed.  He was inspired to become a musician by Jimi Hendrix. Many years later he hooked up with Jimi Hendrix's bass player, Noel Redding.   Most well-known as being the producer, manager and bandleader for the late Noel Redding of The Jimi Hendrix Experience, he also has produced records for Arthur Lee and Love, and has played in New Zealand’s classic cult band The Ponsonby DC’s, as well as San Francisco alternative groups The Ophelias, 3:05 AM, and Corsica, producing records for all of them along the way.   Over the years he also recorded or performed with members of The Kinks, Thin Lizzy, Santana, The Counting Crows, Weather Report, Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters, and The Mahavishnu Orchestra. Most recently he’s released the very critically acclaimed collaboration with Jefferson Starship members Diana Mangano and Prairie Prince - Reno Nevada and Other Songs of Gambling, Vice and Betrayal as The Great American Robber Barons.   After both of his parents died in Reno, Nevada, the San Francisco-based artist discovered a whole new dimension to his musicality. “Their deaths made me face a lot of stuff, and I keep peeling back the layers and finding these dark aspects inside of me,” Keith says. “Every song on the album is about gambling, vice and betrayal, and we really mean it.”     In this interview he shares his experiences of 30 years, playing with famous people and his record deals.  But, it took the death of his parents for him to start writing lyrics.   In Snapshots of Heaven and Hell, he shares how he survived filicide and extreme childhood abuse at the hands of his Vietnam Era PTSD damaged father.