The Book & the Website!

Tonight I am going to start by talking about my new book, which is coming out March 1. That is less than a month away. I will be honest: the title Annaleise Carr: How I Conquered Lake Ontario to Help Kids Battling Cancer was not my idea. I had a much different title, but as I have learned with this book, the publisher is the boss and you trust them.

So how did the book come about? Very shortly after my Lake Ontario swim, I received an email from award winning author Deborah Ellis asking if I would like help to write a book about my adventure. I did not know at the time how accomplished she was. I was busy with speaking engagements and charity work, so I did not have time to write a book right away. In April 2013 things slowed down a very little bit, and I was ready to try because I was afraid I would forget everything that happened.

I told my parents, and they looked back through their emails for the note from Deborah. We contacted her after visiting her website. She said she was still interested. She had a plan and we loved it. I spent a few months going to Deborah’s home and going over everything that happened. I am not too crazy about talking about myself, so I was excited that the book includes Eric Thomas’s struggle with cancer and parallels it with my battle against Lake Ontario. We also included information about the incredible Marilyn Bell. I cannot imagine how she was feeling when she started off to do something no one else had ever done.

I really do like how the book turned out. Deborah Ellis is incredible, as those of you who have read her Breadwinner series already know. Thanks to Deborah and James Lorimer Publishing, and thanks to everyone who helped me with this project so that it became a reality. I hope you all get a chance to read it.

Now the website. I cannot believe the response. Josh did such a great job, and it is sure to be our biggest tool in letting everyone know what is up. Do not forget to visit the Donate page.

One last thing for tonight. I was home sick today, so that was not much fun, but I am feeling better now. Nothing like a 5:30am practice tomorrow to help bring me along even more. Last night I was honoured to be a guest at the Port Dover Lions meeting. It was a great meal and I loved singing with them. Yes, all the guys sang, and they are very good. It was fun to speak with them and share my story about my love for Camp Trillium and thank them for what they do for the camp. They then pledged a donation of $2,000 to my Radical Crossing, which is amazing.

Thank you to the Port Dover Lions and all the sponsors and donors to my Radical Crossings. I could not even think of this without you. Check out my Partner and Sponsor page to see who is already on board, and if you or your company is interested, I would love to have you on board too. The sponsor package is available on that page for download.