BOSTON, MASS. (ANS) -- Carolyn Rubenstein, author of “Perseverance: True Voices of Cancer Survivors,” shares the stories of 20 college and graduate students who discovered strength and hope when they found themselves facing their worst fears.

Carolyn Rubenstein

Faith, in some form or other, is a theme in virtually every story in “Perseverance.” Much like 2 Peter 1:6, which places perseverance next to godliness, the book offers a plan for a life well-lived.

Rubenstein, who is working on a Ph.D. at Harvard, writes that “all I really need to know, I’ve learned from childhood cancer survivors. And, no matter what you’re going through in your life, the wisdom of these remarkable people can help you cope, survive, and even improve your quality of life as well.”

“Perseverance,” released on Tuesday, August 18, is an outgrowth of Rubenstein’s work with a nonprofit she founded for kids with cancer when she was 14 called Carolyn's Compassionate Children. Although it began as a pen-pal program to link children with cancer with their healthy peers, it has evolved into a source of financial giving for college-bound cancer survivors, having awarded more than $70,000 in scholarships.

Now, at 24, Rubenstein, having been impacted by these individuals, has compiled a book of powerful testimonies with messages that will have an impact on all of us, no matter what trial we are facing.

The young people tell their own stories, with introductions and conclusions from Rubenstein. She notes that they represent a new generation. Fifty years ago, childhood cancer was almost always a death sentence; today, four out of five children reach the important five-year survival milestone.

One chapter chronicles the journey of Monique Valdez and begins by quoting Jeremiah 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Valdez thought she had a plan for her life, but it turned out that God had a different plan that included being diagnosed with thyroid cancer when she was 19. Today, she plans to go into clinical psychology and help young cancer patients. “By reaching out to those who have suffered, I can reassure them that this difficult time is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter; a chapter full of hope, love, and faith,” she says.

All of the people profiled in “Perseverance” show a remarkable maturity and determination. And, because of what they have been through and the support they have received, they want to help others by going into the medical field, raising money for other cancer patients or some other kind of service. In one of the most poignant moments in the book, a nurse encourages Emily Corwin, wearing a pair of jeans that conceal scars from cancer surgery, “to show that leg off.”

The book cover

“She wanted me to be proud of my scars,” Corwin says. “People ask about them sometimes, but it just gives me a chance to share my experience and encourage others. I’m proud of those scars now!” Corwin and the other survivors in this book rebuild their lives with the lessons they have learned from cancer. “I am stronger today than ever before,” she says. “I am more confident in myself. I strongly believe that after cancer, I can do anything.”

Rubenstein shows that the life lessons taken from these stories can teach us all how to make the most of our lives in any situation. “Perseverance” released on Tuesday, August 18, from Forge Books and will be available in bookstores nationwide. For more information about Rubenstein, visit www.CarolynRubenstein.com. 

Note to Editors: To get a copy of “Perseverance” or arrange an interview with Carolyn Rubenstein, please contact Steve Yount or Julie Shutley of A. Larry Ross Communications at 972.267.1111, Steve@alarryross.com or JShutley@alarryross.com.