A Mother’s Survival Guide to Cancer and Other Catastrophes – Kathy Baron

This is the story of great resilience, a hymn to life despite tragedies being a painful stumble and an invitation to always look beyond the mountains, which at times seem insurmountable, but which with the strength of mind, courage and complicity of dear ones can be climbed.
Growing up in apartheid South Africa, Kathy and her husband fought an absurd, hatred-based system to live a life they wanted and have been happily married for over thirty years. The arrival of two children and then twins seems happily upsetting every balance, in a continuous echo of cries of joy and happiness that a united and numerous family can donate. A classic family picture, between ups and downs, with love always at first place. But the unexpected is lurking around the corner, the cruelty of fate can transform today into a daunting tomorrow. The author opens the doors of her home and the depths of her heart to give us a poignant biographical story that will move you and make you reflect deeply on the meaning of life and how important bonds are in order not to let go in the darkest of hours.

Logan will appreciate this collection of memories, he will surely be smiling and crying with us – wherever he may be.

Kathy Baron, a mother of four, resides in Alberton, South Africa with her husband, Alistair and two of their children, Ashleigh and Jesse. Her love for writing started when she was young and this allowed her to make sense of the world.
The loss of Kathy’s youngest son Logan had a catastrophic effect on the life of the Barons, and she found immense solace in writing letters to him, which eventually became the basis for this book. When her oldest son Keegan and his fiancé, Felica left for The Netherlands in the same year as Logan’s departure from the earth– writing again offered healing in dealing with the loss. However, technology keeps family connected.
Kathy works full time for an IT company in procurement, and in her spare time she enjoys restoring old and forgotten furniture. Being an avid sun worshiper, time is spent entertaining friends outdoors or enjoying the pool. Kathy’s inspiration is drawn from her children, who have always made her proud and her husband, who has overcome life’s challenges with grace. The family’s pets, Ruby, Olly, Tyson and Raisin – all rescue dogs, play a big part in Kathy’s life and have always been faithful companions during life’s storms.