Written by those touched by the disease, this unique collection of essays brings together the very personal stories of the patients, their friends, families and caregivers to show that those diagnosed with lung cancer are not its only victims. Through these honest, emotional and sometimes starkly told stories written by ordinary people, professional writers, celebrities and health care professionals, the reader will share the authors’ personal experiences of learning of the diagnosis, the journey through treatment and the challenges of living every day with the disease. The reader will be inspired by the indomitable spirit of those who choose life in the face of the overwhelming odds of surviving a disease that currently takes nearly 85% of its victims. Along the way, Voices of Lung Cancer offers insight into effective ways families and professionals care for both themselves and the patient, gain a deeper understanding of their relationships with their patients, family members and friends. Together with these invaluable stories, Voices of Lung Cancer features essays by nationally recognized medical experts about the science of lung cancer; its current treatment; choosing the right doctors and what the future holds for the next generation of lung cancer patients. With forwards written by the executive directors of CancerCare and Joan’s Legacy and the heartfelt story of friends lost by S. Epatha Merkerson, star of the acclaimed television drama Law & Order, Voices of Lung Cancer is required reading for medical and social work professionals, the general public and everyone who has been affected by this disease.

Known as “The Long Goodbye”, Alzheimer’s disease affects some 4.5 million Americans and nearly 50 percent of those over the age of 85. It is estimated that by 2050, that number may reach 16 million. Yet, its causes are little understood and there is no treatment available to prevent or reverse this disease. Voices of Alzheimer’s presents over 40 stories by people from all walks of life who have been touched by the disease, whether as its victim, spouse, care giver, friend or family member. These unique stories serve as a companion to those who are just beginning their journey with this disease, those currently struggling to cope and those who must deal with its final stages and beyond. The contributors write with candor, clarity and often humor about their experiences with Alzheimer’s, provide insights and strategies for living with the Alzheimer’s patient, and, surprisingly, about the positive effect the experience can have on those affected. With forwards written by David Shenk, best-selling author of The Forgetting and essays by prominent experts in the field of Alzheimer’s research and treatment, Voices of Alzheimer’s illustrates the strength of human spirit in the face of heart-wrenching adversity.

Each year over 200,000 women and 1,700 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2006, the first real decline in breast cancer incidence was reported, and new advances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment hold great promise for the near future. Yet the emotional toll that breast cancer brings to those diagnosed with the disease remains the same. Voices of Breast Cancer: The Healing Companion: Stories for Courage, Comfort and Strength provides hope and inspiration to the patient, her family, and everyone who is touched by the disease. Voices of Breast Cancer provides over 50 stories written by men and women from all walks of life about their personal journeys through diagnosis, treatment and survivorship . The authors’ heartfelt and beautifully written accounts help the readerd understand that she is not alone. With contributions by nationally recognized medical experts on the current science of the disease and its future treatment, Voices of Breast Cancer is a required resource for any reader looking for courage, comfort and strength for this emotional journey.

Alcoholism: A chronic disease that claims the lives of 100,000 Americans annually and impacts society at every level. In Voices of Alcoholism, dozens of writers from all walks of life break the silence that shrouds this disease. Voices of Alcoholism is filled with true stories by alcoholics, their family members and friends, who write with remarkable candor and courage of the experience of alcoholism from the first drink through difficult but lasting recovery. With an introduction by Joseph Califano, Jr., former Secretary of the United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare, and a comprehensive Resources section for those seeking current information on treatment and recovery, Voices of Alcoholism is a heartfelt, emotional and informative volume that affirms the strength of the human spirit.

A powerful response to a mysterious disorder, this compilation features dozens of writers from all walks of life speaking candidly about their experiences with autism—a disease that affects more than a half million Americans under the age of 21 at every level of society. Filled with true stories by the parents of autistic children, their caregivers, teachers, and friends, the stories presented here both inspire and inform, providing a palpable sense of connection and community. Also included is a comprehensive resource section for those seeking current information about the science and treatment of autism. Heartfelt and emotional, this informative volume truly affirms the strength of the human spirit.