CANDY COATED CHUNK OF GRANITE Brings Humor to Hard Subject in New Book

"You have cancer," are the three words none of us ever want to hear, but sadly one in eight women in America will hear she has breast cancer in her lifetime. Cindy Welsh Colangelo never thought she would be one of them; after all, she was only 43, led a healthy lifestyle, and had no family history of breast cancer. So when her doctor gave her the news, Cindy used one of her favorite lines to capture the randomness that causes one to pause and really think about certain circumstances and how they shape our life; she said, "Who would have thunk?"

Candy Coated Chunk of Granite (Inspire on Purpose Publishing), chronicles the many life-affirming lessons Cindy learned about adversity. Like her, it's funny, uplifting and truthful, and is intended to be a source of inspiration to others on this difficult journey. Readers will love Cindy's gift of sharing stories in this simple read that inspires and entertains in a very real and honest way.

When Cindy Colangelo began her journey, she was encouraged that doctors felt hers was a typical case and was caught early. The plan was: a lumpectomy, six weeks of radiation, and six-monthly check-ups until the highly anticipated 5-year mark when she would be declared "cancer free." During this time, she gained a new appreciation for life and the gifts that come in simple forms; a change in career, a chance to perform at Carnegie Hall, new friends and an increased excitement for capturing every moment.

Cindy thought she had dodged the bullet...but eight years later, a routine mammogram showed a suspicious area on her other breast. This time, Cindy learned her case was anything but typical and her particular cancer had "defied statistics;" not wishing to defy statistics again, she cut her hair, lined up some books, and had a double mastectomy.

The call came a week after surgery that it was not going to be as simple as originally thought. Since her particular cancer was cause for concern, the doctor prescribed chemotherapy and radiation. "Who would have thunk?" said Cindy, taking it in stride.

Throughout her treatment and down time, Cindy posted on CaringBridge - a website that allows people with a serious illness to create a personal health journal and share updates and photos with family, friends and strangers who can stay in touch and offer support when needed. With over 17,000 visits to her journal, it's evident she touched the hearts of many people - even those she never had the opportunity to meet.

Cindy's post following the first, and believed to be final, round of chemo exemplifies her spirit, tenacity, and exceptional wit: "There are no guarantees. Statistics don't always hold true. Early diagnosis is important. A simple gesture from a friend can mean so much. A word of encouragement from a stranger is priceless. We don't have to be defined by a disease or limitation. Faith is a gift we give ourselves. Family is to be treasured. Richness is not defined monetarily. And bald can be beautiful! Who would have thunk?"

After Cindy lost her courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer in late 2013, her husband and sister decided to write Candy Coated Chunk of Granite as a tribute to her, drawing from Cindy's posts on CaringBridge. Her legacy lives on through her inspiring words that continue to bring solace and joy to so many other cancer patients facing their own difficult journey. From her personal experience and the changes she felt and saw in her body, Cindy also came up with the idea for a website, CCs Corner, where cancer patients could "one stop shop" for items such as scarves, lotions, comfortable clothes, etc. Sadly, she died before the site came to fruition, but family and friends are currently working on making this dream a reality.

Cindy Colangelo graduated the University of Florida with a major in Sociology. A businesswoman, she founded CLC Consulting - a firm that builds strategic partnerships between non-profits and the communities they serve. Within a few years of her breast cancer diagnosis, Cindy left corporate America and entered the non-profit world where she played many major roles. Cindy's community service was far-reaching over the years and her projects benefited many local organizations. She was on the Board of Directors for Metrocrest Social Services, the Advisory Board for Citizens Development Center and is a member of the Speakers Bureau for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Cindy's husband, Joe, still resides in Carrollton, Texas, with her two sons.

For more information on Cindy or the book, visit www.CCsCorner.com. Available at all online outlets and author's website.

Candy Coated Chunk of Granite
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Inspire on Purpose Publishing (October 5, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1941782183
ISBN-13: 978-1941782187