Hope, Faith and Charlie

As a mommy review blogger I work with many wonderful PR reps. One of the dear woman I work with asked me to review a copy of a book she wrote called Hope, Faith and Charlie. Me being a total book worm was thrilled with this opportunity.

Deirdre Carey was a young successful working mother when her youngest son Charlie was diagnosed with a lemon size brain tumor. As her and her husband John went through this difficult time they never once underestimated their hope, faith or power of prayer.

When Deirdre first asked me to review her book I thought I was going to be in for one tear jerker of a story and I was right, I definitely shed some tears for this courageous woman, her family and of course her beloved son Charlie. What I didn't expect was the tremendous amount of hope she portrayed. After Charlie's initial diagnosis and brain operation Deidre and her family met with the cancer doctor. He told them that Charlie had a 0-20% chance of beating this. A parent hearing that is equivalent of having your heart ripped out of your chest, I would think. Upon hearing the news Charlies pediatrician put the Cappadano family in touch with Dr. Kretschmar at Floating Hospital. This wonderful woman was able to give Deidre's family hope, something they had yet to experience with the previous MD.

So Charlie's treatment began. This young child had a tremendous amount of fight in him. He was always defying the "norm" when it came to recovery times. The day after Charlies initial brain surgery he was trying to roll over! They even got discharged early because of how well Charlie was doing.

Deirdre also put lots of time and energy into her older son, Jay. She wanted to make sure he never felt neglected. It's hard to imagine how tough it must have been to do that. I can imagine how cancer could easily overshadow everything in your life.

Little Charlie is now 10 years old (and not so little, I'm sure) and Jay is 12 years old. Charlie is doing great and continues to remain in remission. He now has yearly MRI's to make sure everything is the way it should be and that there is no new growth. After reading Hope, Faith and Charlie I can see hoe blessed Deirdre is with her 2 amazing children. It's obvious to anyone that they truly are the light of her life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially someone who is facing a life threatening illness. It will inspire you and give you hope. Never underestimate the power of prayer.

About the author

Deirdre Carey was born and raised in Westwood, MA. She graduated from Regis College in Weston, MA with a BS in Communications in 1989 and went on to pursue her dream of working in the fast-paced world of advertising. She and her two sons, Jay and Charlie, along with their beagle Hershey, now reside in Franklin, MA. Deirdre is the Director of Client Services at Kel & Partners, a marketing & public relations agency based in Westborough, MA.

Deirdre enjoys skiing, biking, and cruising the high seas with her sons, reading her beloved People Magazine, and vacationing on Cape Cod with her family and friends.

Since Deirdre self published this book (go her!) it is not available in bookstores. You CAN purchase it here or on Amazon.

One more thing I must share...the copy of Hope, Faith and Charlie that I was sent is autographed by Deirdre and her boys! Can't beat that!