Books
Dancing in the Minefields One women’s faith journey through child-loss, addiction, and adversity
One women’s faith journey through child-loss, addiction, and adversity The Ditmars were like any other American Family. Then suddenly, they found themselves in the minefields of life after a diagnosis of leukemia in their young son, Chris. Life as they had known it was forever changed. Maribeth’s journey offers hope and an eternal perspective that brings joy after mourning. Even after the sudden death of a second son, Jarrod, and her personal battle with addiction, Maribeth’s testimony inspires and encourages others. Despite overwhelming circumstances, this story demonstrates that one is able to live again in Christ.
Christopher’s Journey A Remarkable Young Man’s Struggle with Leukemia
Poignant and bittersweet, Christopher’s Journey is the true story of a remarkable young man’s battle with leukemia and the lives that he touches along the way. Author Maribeth Ditmars chronicles her son Christopher’s chemotherapy treatments, his irrepressible antics, and finally, his insightful acceptance of his own illness. As the family experiences each new challenge, medical, emotional, and spiritual, the reader is invited to share the intimate details. The book recounts Chris’s daily life on treatment from the age of 10 until his passing at 14 when spent his last peaceful moments sharing his encounter with Jesus Christ. Despite its sad conclusion, the book is full of humor and love. Tales of Chris’s jokes and gags abound as Chris teaches us to live in the moment and to trust the Lord.
The Bald-Headed Princess Cancer, Chemo, and Courage
Maribeth’s second book, The Bald-Headed Princess, is a middle-reader chapter book published by Magination Press, an imprint of The American Psychological Association. In this story 11-year-old, Isabel must grapple with cancer, treatment, hair loss, and missing her friends. In the end, Isabel gains remission and learns to reach out to other struggling patients. Told vividly and honestly from a child’s perspective, The Bald-Headed Princess is a wonderful resource for children with cancer or anyone who works with pediatric cancer patients. This book was selected as an Accelerated Reader book, a popular online program used in many schools across the country.