If you would like to read part of Chapter 1, from Life's Mountains click on this link: http://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/book_excerpt.asp?bookid=48399&page=1
It has been a while since we have posted information regarding Cheryl and the challenges she has had to overcome. See the link to her page on the left. She has faced several changes since the last time we spoke with her. She is moving into town so hopefully she will be able to attend meetings more often and perhaps, begin another book.
Congratulations Cheryl!
Cheryl came to the Writers’ Guild in January 2006, with a story, her story, several hundred words neatly printed on a few sheets of paper. Since we are a read and critique Guild, we asked her to share her simple opening unaware the next few paragraphs would have a profound effect on each of us as she lead us on a journey through the trials of her life. Cheryl calmly read with clarity and strength as she informed the group of her malady, Glioblastoma Multiforme; the most deadly type of cancerous brain tumor.
As she continued to read we learned that in 1990, Cheryl graduated from Humbolt State University and accepted a position with the Rogue River District of the U.S. Forest Service protecting the environment as a wildlife biologist. Diagnosed with brain cancer in 2000, she became the endangered species and was given less than a year to live. Her book, Life’s Mountain, empowers the reader to face difficult times with faith and love, to discover the strength to KOKO, Keep On Keeping On.
Cheryl is currently a six and a half year cancer survivor and will have her third surgery in a few days, another mountain in her life. If you asked her she would tell you the Guild has been a great source of support and inspiration. However, it has been her willingness to tell her story, without pretense, that has enriched the members of the Guild.
" Dear Cheryl, Thank you for the tremenduous gift you have given all of us in the telling of your story. It certainly affects our lives in positive ways. I and my wife, JoAnne, will be holding you and your family in our thoughts and prayers." — Ken Magee
Actually, words fail me when it comes to expressing my admiration for her courage and over all attitude. I'm thinking most of us wonder — doubt we could be so strong in the same situation... Her willingness to share her story, which I'm certain will inspire others is wonderful, too. She's going to come out of this just fine. I look forward to seeing her on Oprah. — Dotte Shaffer
Please tell Cheryl that I have been moved by her courageous spirit and by her memoir. I will hold her in my prayers with great tenderness and will look forward to her return to KWG. All good wishes for her speedy and complete healing. — Victoria Korson
Cheryl, you are an inspiration to me. It is my belief that the Lord gives us challenges to face, and face them we must. You have had to face a lot and have passed all the tests with flying colors. The Lord is holding you in the hollow of His hand and you are protected. Keep the faith my Sister. In the Lord's Love — Ada Curry
Your courage and tenacity are an inspiration. —Eleanor Drolet
"One thing a writer needs more than anything else is perseverance. If Cheryl can write while ill with chemotherapy, beset by two small boys and a husband, and while trying to get into shape for climbing Mt. Shasta, no editor stands a chance against that kind of will and energy. Here's hoping she finds a publisher! But we shouldn't have any doubts.
She doesn't. Ok, maybe she does, but she hides them really, really well.
I very much enjoyed going through her book and whacking commas and the like. I look forward to the revised edition immensely, both of the book and of Cheryl . " — Jean Lamb
Your courage is admirable. Live each day to the fullist and keep fighting. The Musella@virtualtrials.com web site is where my family and I have found much information and hope. A cure is very close. Would like to order "Life's Mountain." Any suggestions on where to purchase a copy. —R.Mingolelli
Thank you for posting Cheryl's story, I am so proud of her strength, courage and perseverance. She took a crippling situation and turned it into a story of grace. I could go on forever, but I will just say, she will always be a Hero in my eyes. Thank You again, I think it is so important that people here a story of true grace. —Jennifer Vickstrom ( Cheryl is my sister )
Wow! I am in awe. She is so very stoic and matter-of-fact and brave about all this. Just the thought of losing any language ability would freak me out. Being able to understand what everyone said to me and not being able to even form the words in my mind to respond, let alone speak, is pretty close to my version of Hell. Please give her my best and tell her I am rooting for her. — Candace Schuler
Cheryl’s book, Life’s Mountain, has grown from the few hundred words neatly printed on several sheets of paper to over 43,000 words on 147 pages. She continues to be an inspiration to us all. Over the next few weeks I will be posting updates on her recovery to this webpage. If you would like to add your words of encouragement or support please email me at dungeonpress@msn.com . —No Worries Cheryl! — William Huntsman