Michael's Journey

About the Book

On June 11, 2004 Michael, a perfectly healthy looking young teenager, participates in a walk for the American Cancer Society with his mother, Laura. Hours later he is fighting for his life in an emergency room as doctors try to stop the bleeding from a brain hemorrhage that could kill him. "Michael's Journey" is the compelling true story of cancer survival based on the journal kept by his mother, Laura. Laura candidly shares the pain and perseverance she and her family experience during this difficult time. Michael's inspirational story focuses on the emotional reality of childhood cancer and his courage and will to survive.

About the Author

Laura Hartley and Mary Lou Palumbo have been friends for over 25 years and decided to write a book based on the journal Laura kept after her 13 year old son Michael was diagnosed with brain cancer on June 12, 2004. Laura is the mother of three children; Lauren who is now 14 years old, Eric is 16 and Michael the oldest who is now 18. She and her husband Richard have been married for 23 years and live in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Laura is currently a legal assistant and office manager at Bigos & Partington, Ltd. A law firm located in Cumberland, Rhode Island. Laura is a volunteer with A Wish Come True, an organization that grants wishes to children with life threatening diseases. She is also a board member of the Rhode Island Brain and Spine Tumor Foundation, founded by Dr. Prakash Sampath the doctor who saved Michael’s life. Mary Lou Palumbo is an award winning television producer/writer and the Executive Director of the Mashpee Chamber of Commerce. She is an adjunct professor of public speaking at Bryant University and author of “Skippy the Dog in the Band.” Laura and Mary Lou have spent the past two years translating Laura’s journal into “Michael’s Journey.” Together they had to relive the experience and shed many tears along the way. Laura and Mary Lou hope that the book will be a helpful resource to families that have a sick child.