Author relates her experience of using faith to face cancer

Written by Hersam Acorn Newspapers
Thursday, 21 January 2010 14:11

A New Canaan author will read from her book about using her faith to help her face cancer at St. Mark’s Library tomorrow, Sunday, January 24.

Joanie Butman will read from her new book I Don’t Buy Green Bananas (center stage with cancer) and sign copies at the event which begins at 4 p.m. A reception will follow.

Butman resides in New Canaan with her husband and two teenage children. She is the author of several collections of humorous faith essays, including Heart Murmurs, Table Talk, and The Issue Room. She claims no expertise in anything and describes herself as ordinary as the day is long. She lists no credentials, qualifications, or accomplishments other than a sincere love of Christ and a firm belief in the redeeming power of God’s love and grace.

“Having no formal training or writing experience shouldn’t prevent anyone from sharing their story. We can all learn from each other when we are honest and open enough to reveal our struggles, our failures, and our victories,” she said.

After being diagnosed with a life-threatening disease in December 2007, she uses her health crisis as the basis for her newest installment of faith essays. With her faith undergoing the ultimate challenge, she retains her humor and honesty in exploring matters of life and death, and the importance of faith in facing both. Butman is happy to report that she is currently cancer-free.

All proceeds from I Don’t Buy Green Bananas! go directly to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR).