Grace Gawler’s book launch October 3 2008

Posted on September 25, 2008
Filed Under Media

It is unusual if not rare that a formerly married high-profile couple, launch their biographies not only in the same year; but in the same month. Grace Gawler has been writing her life story for eight years and it was due for publication Christmas 2006 – a blockbuster Christmas release by Black Swan Press, Department of Women’s Studies, Curtin University. However the group lost their university funding and along with many other author’s, Grace’s contract was rescinded and manuscripts returned.
In late 2007 she was approached by journalist Guy Allenby to contribute to her ex- husband, Ian Gawler’s biography that Mr Allenby was writing. Grace willingly travelled to Sydney to see Mr Allenby where he interviewed her for more than six hours. At that stage, Grace’s Memoirs had already taken shape and were to be published late 2008. Titled Grace, Grit and Gratitude; it is a compelling and inspiring read and a remarkable Australian woman’s untold story. The book is bold yet discrete; however, it does raise some controversial points. Grace feels that both books will complement each other. Writing from the “hands-on” 24/7 carers point of view the first section is a chilling account of what it is like to go through the cancer experience with a partner who is so ill - then survives.

Grace is known as the woman who helped Ian Gawler’s survival from end stage secondary bone cancer, they married when he had just a few weeks life expectancy, however; Grace’s life story Grace, Grit and Gratitude, touches on much more than Ian’s survival. Grace inspired the creation of the Yarra Valley Living Centre and together they co-founded the Gawler Foundation. Grace left the Foundation in 1996 due to irresolvable internal issues in the organisation. Ian left the family in 1997. Grace is also a survivor in her own right. It is not well known, that she had to battle horrendous complications associated with a routine surgical procedure in 1997—a procedure that left her with a paralysed colon and pelvis and severe complications-Grace became a “bag” lady. She had an ileostomy and 3 consecutive colostomies; during the latter, her only sister died and Grace moved location to be with her for the last 6 months of her life. Sixteen surgical procedures over 9-years & deemed permanently disabled – she searched the world for a solution—the result a world first bionic implant performed in Rotterdam, restored her function and gave her back her life. How did Grace survive the years of adversity following two major crises: a marriage breakdown, combined with the biggest challenge of her life – the dismemberment of her own health? I suggest you read the book to answer these questions.
Grace has worked with more than 12,000 plus cancer patients all around the world.
The following is taken from the ‘Foreword’ to her Memoir: “….Like many before you, you may be unable to put the book down until the end—like them, you might need to pinch yourself as a reminder, that unlike the fabulous Da Vinci Code—this is a true story.” By purchasing this book, not only will you be helping yourself - the information on cancer/partner relationships is invaluable - but you will also be helping Grace to re-establish herself in being able to help more people affected by cancer - her passion and perseverence to help people, even when her own circumstances have been less than desirable; is second to none. I hope that her book is an enormous success - please let your friends know about this remarkable story of my friend, Grace.
Order Grace’s Memoir online at www.gracegawler.com (Contributed by Helen-a close friend & former patient)

Share This Article With Others And Enjoy:

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.