Within the context of an extremely aggressive disease, the author blossomed. This book is her effort to share her lessons with readers, whether they are well or ill. She shares her adventures in Alaska and the San Francisco Bay Area, her bicycle journay, her work experiences, and how she maintained strength and a powerful will to live against all odds. Her doctors have been amazed by her strength, knowledge, and determination. She says, "I’ve had enough chemotherapy to kill several elephants!" One chapter title, "Death is Not an Option," sums up her philosophy and passion. Her love for her daughter gives her courage and hope.
* "A story reveals the truth. Brush Strokes is filled with wisdom, inspiration, and the truth about life. Read it and find your truth and authentic life." -- Bernie Siegel, M.D. * "We must pay attention to those who have faced illness and come through. Karina Berrner is one of those courageous individuals, and Brush Strokes is her inspiring message. This book sings with heroism and insight." -- Larry Dossey, M.D. * quote: "It is a distinct honor and pleasure to write a foreword for this remarkable work. Karina Berrner’s story is one that should be read by anyone facing illness and anyone feeling that she or he may not be up to facing life’s challenges. ‘Challenge’ is a mild euphemism to describe what Karina has faced and moved through…Karina Berrner (an artist, teacher, mother, wife) has more guts than any half dozen courageous people I know. She never gives up and I believe she is alive on the strength of her will, her intelligence, and her mind set alone…." -- Martin L. Rossman, M.D. * "For healthy people who have misplaced some of their passion for life."
Karina Berrner is an adventurer, a teacher, an artist, a potter, a cook, a baker, a gardener, and a dedicated mom. In her young adulthood she lived in Alaska for 2-1/2 years. The rest of her life (so far) she has lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. The continuous and protracted experience of fighting breast cancer has honed and intensified her passionate spirit. She approaches medical appointments with the heart and will of a warrior. She says, "It has taken me 40 years to figure out the puzzle of living a happy life. I think I am doing it well. I am ready to cruise -- not ready to die." It is her desire (and hopefully her destiny) to help educate future doctors on how to interact with patients and to "be an advocate for medicine—as a yapper dog at the FDA’s heels."
Soft cover; 6 x 9, ISBN 1-885003-28-5; $11.95 plus $3.50 shipping and handling.
