Welcome to Litsy!

"What a brilliant book! Congratulations on writing Worms on Parachutes. "- Lorraine Kelly. "The most incredible, wonderful, very moving book which I've read. I urge everybody to read it."- Gaby Roslin. "Incredibly emotional and well-written." Penguin Sarah's journey and spirit are incredible. Sarah's writing is from the heart." - Richard Amos, Operational Lead Proton Therapy. University College Hospital London. "A candid and well-written story. A beautiful book." - Wendy Woodward, Professor, MD Anderson Cancer Centre. ENDORSEMENTS: Worms on Parachutes is recognised by Cancer Research UK as suitable reading material in the biography section for Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer Care in Perth, Western Australia also feature Worms On Parachutes in their boutique reading library, as an inspirational read for those facing breast cancer today. I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer on the 15th June 2007. I remember that day so vividly. It will be ingrained in my memory forever as it is the day I felt my perfect little world crumble. I remember hearing those terrifying words, "I'm sorry it's cancer" and falling to pieces. I hollered as my mind froze and my body went numb. I was frightened, felt incredibly vulnerable and my greatest fear stared me in the face. I could potentially die, and leave behind my two beautiful daughters and a husband who is also my best friend, and the person I love to have at my side . I'm pleased to report those initial feelings softened as time past. Now it is important to share my story to give hope, encouragement and inspiration to others faced with a life threatening illness. I believe that sharing stories helps to inspire those who are touched by cancer. You seek hope reassurance that treatments can be very successful today. Breast Cancer isn't the only illness I have overcome. I had a near death experience in Africa as a child, I was an accident prone youngster and the sickly one in my family. I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease, a cancer of the lymphatic system at 16, yes I'm very greedy one cancer wasn't enough. Fingers crossed cancer will leave me alone now. I will not give in! However it is quite possible that radiation treatment for that cancer caused my breast cancer 20 years later. Yet from all the mishaps I experienced, I walk away truly blessed that people who entered my life as strangers ended up making the greatest impact on my life. What makes Worms On Parachutes special is that I was inspired to write after receiving outstanding medical care. Therefore it deals with relationships from medical professionals to family and friends so openly and honestly. It is an insightful read that I believe will be helpful and supportive to anyone experiencing cancer today in whatever role you play. This in essence makes it a beautiful book for all to read, and lends itself to the 5*reviews that feature on amazon and nothing less! It is crucial to have a positve outlook on life. I'm sure this has carried me through the many challenges I have faced: therefore it is no surprise I chose a really quirky title for the book, which I believe will be a lifeline to those unfortunate to receive a cancer diagnosis today. I was determined to write an inspiring, upbeat, open and honest book with little bouts of sarcasm to reflect my sense of humour, which has been an instrumental part of my road to recovery. Most importantly I thoroughly enjoyed writing it. I'm sure the words on your lips when you discover this page are 'why on earth has she called it Worms On Parachutes?' The truth is when you do read it you will ask yourself at the end 'what else could she call it!' For any of you facing a diagnosis today, I'm convinced you will all have your own little Parachute to carry you on your journey. I still get goosebumps when I recall the day the penny dropped and I realised what a great title I had. You must read the book to find out more.