Writers Unite to Fight Cancer


By: Cecily Markland


Nine Arizona authors, seven of them LDS, will join together in a gala book launch also designed to raise money for cancer research.

The authors, as well as editor/publisher Pamela Goodfellow, owner of Goodfellow Publishing Services, all have had their lives touched by cancer in one way or another. They chose the launch and celebration of their books as a time to give back by raising money for the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).

"Every single one of the people in the group has dealt with cancer in some way," says participating author and Goodfellow Publishing administrative assistant, Margaret Turley, of the Beverly Ward, Mesa Maricopa Stake.

"My cousin has ovarian cancer and is on her third round of chemo, my uncle died of cancer, I have an aunt and uncle who are survivors and I was a nurse for 34 years," Margaret says. "For me, it's a very personal thing to have writers unite in this cause to raise money for cancer research."

The exclusive, invitation-only Gala Event will include a silent auction and 50/50 raffle, with all net proceeds going to AACR via the White Lions Cancer Foundation. Auction items will include sports memorabilia and/or tickets, a harp performance, resort packages, massages, travel packages, jewelry, artwork, handcrafts and more.

In addition, participating authors will donate a portion of their book sale proceeds to AACR.

Authors participating are: Louise Laughlin, author of I Must Be Dreaming, a memoir about her husband, Larry, who is a survivor of esophageal cancer. Louise has also authored two children's picture books, Libby's Vacation and Santa Goes Shopping.

Margaret Turley, recently retired from a 34-year nursing career is author of Save the Child, a novel based a true story of one family's struggle to win the battle against cancer and save their daughter.

Lisa Finder's book, Black Sand, is an island fantasy about Icess, who must choose between the two men she loves. Lisa, a business owner and mother of four, is the founder of the White Lions Foundation, providing natural supplements to cancer patients.

Cindy R. Williams, professional harpist and mother of five, is the author of the Southwest Book Award and Arizona Glyph Award Finalist, Chase McKay Didn't Get Up Today.

Octogenarian and mother of seven, grandmother of 28 and great-grandmother of 40, Anna Linlinquest "Lolly" Arnette, has written Lolly's Yarn, a memoir of her life with her sweetheart, Charles-their world travels, trials, joys and life of service.

Carrie E. Goodfellow is the author of What to do When it's a Hundred and Two, a children's picture book starring javelinas who live in Arizona's high desert.

Mother and daughter team, Donna Richards and Shelly Rice, will introduce Christmas Treasures from the Heart, an activity book of gift-giving ideas and ways to create memories and family togetherness.

Barbara Lofgreen is the author of the coming-of-age story, Generations. She was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma: Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer in November 2009. She is one of the inspirations for Writers Unite to Fight Cancer. (Find them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=123239104377424.)

Dr. Goodfellow is a book producer and developmental editor, who teaches courses in Crafting the Character-Based Novel and other writing classes.

The Gala Event will be from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 25, at the Shenandoah Mill, 1359 S. Gilbert Road, in Gilbert. To receive an invitation, contact one of the authors or Margaret Turley at 480-252-0182 or margaret@goodfellowpublishing.com. For those who cannot attend but wish to contribute, visit www.goodfellowpublishing.com/current-events.aspx to donate any amount. Or, checks may be made to the American Association for Cancer Research and mailed to White Lions Foundation, 835 W Warner Rd, 101-439, Gilbert, AZ, 85233.