Nancy G. Brinker

This is now one of my favorite books not only because it follows Nancy Brinker from her childhood until present day, but because I learned so much through her words, her compassion, her brilliance, and her ability to persevere through undeniable heartbreak and hundreds of obstacles I'd never dream of. I've always looked up to Nancy Brinker but now I can say without a doubt that she is one of my heroes. Thank you for writing this book and allowing your supporters to enter your life and organization. And thank you for keeping your promise to Suzy.… (meer)

Promise Me is a touching story of love and friendship between sisters and how that love spurred Nancy on to do more to fight breast cancer. As I read about Nancy’s upbringing I realized that her whole family was amazing, and loved how her mom encouraged service and volunteerism from a very young age. That upbringing sets the stage for her adult years as she raised money for research and formed the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

One of my favorite quotes from the book deals with that positive influence her mother had when it came to helping others. She said, “Instead of dwelling on all the things that you can’t do. . . figure out what you can do. What you will do.” (Page 7) And when her children decided to do something to raise money she backed them up all the way.

Much of the first half of the book is about Nancy’s close friendship with her sister Susan. This includes an entertaining account of a trip they took together through Europe. Their escapades were silly and fun, and they both seemed like girls with whom you would want to be friends.

The second half of the book is about Nancy’s life after her sister dies: how she copes with that loss, her personal life (marriages and son), and the development of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. I especially enjoyed the stories of the early fundraisers and how successful they were despite the trials encountered.

Interspersed between the chapters about Nancy’s story are sections including facts about breast cancer: the history of diagnoses and treatments, personal stories from survivors, current developments in the field of breast cancer research, and stories about the work and events that the foundation has done. These sections are filled with stories that are inspirational, moving and fascinating. I was stunned to read about some of the early treatments for breast cancer, and touched by the many personal stories.

Promise Me was a quick and compelling read. I was surprised that, regardless of the seriousness of the subject matter, I didn’t want to stop reading her story. If you are looking for a good inspirational book then you can’t go wrong with Promise Me. Even though the core of the story (the loss of her sister) is very sad, it does not leave you without hope for the future.… (meer)