About Go to Your Happy Place
Kevin's Story
Diagnosed with stage 4 head and neck cancer at age 48, author and narrator Kevin Jerge faced the challenge of his life. At the beginning of his 7-week treatment, one of his nurses suggested he go to his happy place to help deal with the discomfort and anxiety. Growing up as one of 5 boys in a blue-collar suburb of Buffalo during the magical time of the 1970s and 1980s, Kevin heeded his nurse's advice and interlaced the pages of his journey through treatment with memories of what he felt was the best time to be alive as a kid. The characters in both periods are memorable, relatable, and inspiring. I learned that battling cancer, even with great support, can be a very insular or lonely experience. This is the first book in a series of books that detail Kevin's road to remission. I hope this series brings insight and understanding to the many cancer patients and their families as they deal with their own battles.
Epigraph
Cancer can be a sobering, insular or lonely experience. The people around you - family, friends and a great medical staff will make a significant difference in your life - if you let them. Be open to the love, prayers and support that are abundant. Your positive and determined mindset will make all the difference and help you fight and hopefully beat this disease.
Kevin's Dedication
This book and the entire series is dedicated to my Mom and Dad, Mary & Jim Jerge along with my four brothers Mark, Chris, Jim and Pat. Our parents raised us 5 boys and laid the foundation for a great Jerge legacy. I miss my Mom every day and she is a part of who I am forever. This book is also dedicated to all of the Jerge's of today and tomorrow - especially my gang - my wife Elizabeth and children - Nick, Lauren, Jonny, Elle and Annika.
As I wrote this series, I became aware of the impact cancer has on patients and their families. If I can help by bringing any personal insights or experiences to others to ease this battle, I want to do that. To the Kirkland Cancer Center and its AMAZING staff - Thank you! I also dedicate this book to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I'm a St. Jude Hero!