Kelly Corrigan will share the story of her struggle with cancer, both as a patient and a caregiver, in a presentation of her book "The Middle Place" on Friday Oct. 5. The Junior League of Lancaster will host the bestselling author in its annual Author's Luncheon in the Lancaster Marriott at 11 a.m., a benefit event to aid its education efforts for women and children in the region.
In "The Middle Place," Corrigan discusses the trauma of her breast cancer diagnosis and her almost instant desire to call home with the news, even though she believed her independence and age to mean that she should no longer feel that urge so strongly. She describes the emotion as "thanking God that you're still somebody's daughter," since the role guarantees that some measure of support will always be available to you.
The comfortable 'middle place' that Corrigan occupies as a result of this, between the security of childhood and the independence of raising her own family, is a source of solace for Corrigan until her own father falls ill with late-stage cancer. Suddenly, she becomes a caregiver to a parent while still contending with her own illness and raising her family, a late coming-of-age moment in which Corrigan is propelled out of her 'middle place' and into full adulthood.
She describes the emotion as "thanking God that you're still somebody's daughter," since the role guarantees that some measure of support will always be available to you.
Corrigan's story is one of strength, maturity, and hope in the face of struggle, one that emulates the experiences of thousands of people suffering from cancer as well as their families. "The Middle Place" will be available for purchase alongside her second novel "Lift" at the event, and Corrigan will be present for book signings and questions. Tickets can be purchased at the Junior League of Lancaster website: www.jllancaster.org.
The Junior League of Lancaster Author's Luncheon | Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square | Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 11 a.m. | www.jllancaster.org
