'Despite MS, to Spite MS'

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I keep telling Jennifer, “This really is going to happen!”

We’ve written our book, “Despite MS, to Spite MS.”

Our designer sent it to the printer on Tuesday, Aug. 2, and we’re hoping you are as excited to read it as we are to share it with you!

“Despite MS, to Spite MS” is a compilation of our essays describing our experiences, emotions and attitudes in living with this chronic disease of the central nervous system.

We were quite nervous and overwhelmed when it first was suggested to us that we should pursue self-publishing a book of our stories. But the more we thought about it, we realized it was a needed step for us to take to increase MS awareness and help people to move forward with their lives.

Guiding the themes of each section are some of the most inspirational and motivational haiku-style poems our friend and fellow blogger Judy Williams has written for her blog, Peace Be With You on the MS Journey. We are so honored to include her in our book!

Thinking back to the day in 2002 when I met Jennifer at the “Finding Your Buried Treasure” event in Frankenmuth, I recall one of the activities where we had to cut out magazine pictures to place on what was to be the treasure map for our lives. The pictures were to be of things that were important to us.

Among the images I included were of a book – something I always had wanted to write –Bruce Springsteen (of course!) a church, and a family.

So here I am some eight years later self-publishing a book that includes essays I needed to receive copyright permission from a Lutheran Church organization and Springsteen to print. And I truly am blessed that I wrote, compiled and edited this book with my wife, Jennifer.

Visit the website www.despitemstospitems.com to learn more about our book and how you can buy your copy through PayPal. The book costs $14.95, and portions of the proceeds will benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Camp Courageous.

And you’re encouraged to take advantage of the pre-order promotion that offers free shipping and a signed copy of the book for orders placed before Aug. 31.

12 Responses to 'Despite MS, to Spite MS'

  1. Congratulations. You have both worked so hard to make this book happen–and it is happening. I know we will laugh and cry along with you as we read it.

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  2. I want one. I want one.

    Truthfully we have been talking about doing the same thing for years. But talking about it and doing it are two different things. Kudos to you both.

    Now you have inspired me (yet again) in a new and different way.

    Michael

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  3. I have always hoped you would use the talent you have for writing–from your first written word, “The Snoozy News” to your first job at the Anamosa Journal-Eureka, The Morning Sun in Alma and now this. We are so proud of you both and can’t wait to get a copy of THE book. Love you both!!!

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  4. Yay!!! I can’t wait to read it. I love, love, love the title, and I can’t begin to tell you how honored I feel that you chose my poems to be a part of this. I hope you sell many, many books. Yippee!!!

    Reply

  7. I am so glad I saw Dawn’s Facebook posting – Congratulations! I am excited to read the book! I know my mom will want a copy too!

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  9. Congrats, Dan and Jen!!

    So many MSers are getting their stories out there. I remember that the only real stories I found in print when I was first diagnosed were from a couple of celebrities.

    You too are celebrities in my book. (and yes, folks have been telling me to write a book too someday. I even wanted Judy to be part of it as well.)

    Big kudos!

    Reply

  10. Dan and Jennifer, I’m so proud of you both. You inspire me and make me work harder to be the best that I can be. Love you both.

    Reply

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