Cancer Survivor and Author Wins International Book Award

New York, NY--May 21, 2014--"Getting Things Off My Chest" by Melanie Young has earned an International Book Award in the Health: Cancer category. Melanie Young will be signing copies of her new book, "Fearless, Fabulous YOU!" at the BEA Expo in New York on May 29. The award was presented by the American Book Fest. 

Wine and food industry professional Melanie Young led a delicious life producing high-profile events and traveling the world representing fine wines. She says her Stage 2A breast cancer diagnosis in August 2009 was "an unexpected detour to Cancer Land--a place I was not prepared to visit, did not know the language, needed to figure out the best routes for staying healthy, and getting out alive without a round-trip ticket."

Melanie kept her diagnosis private for two years for fear of losing her business.

She says, "I finally came out of my cancer closet, kicked fear in the face and wrote

MELANIE YOUNG WOMEN & WELLNESS SEMINAR SEPT 13 2013

my first book to help other women navigate their cancer journey with more confidence. "Getting Things Off My Chest: A Survivor's Guide To Staying Fearless and Fabulous in the Face of Breast Cancer" (Cedar Fort Inc., September 2013) is a treasure trove of helpful survivor tips, expert insights, and handy checklists to help women stay focused and empowered during and after treatment.

Melanie will speak and sign copies of her book at Book Passage, 51 Tamal Road, Corte Madera, on Sunday, February 23, at 7:00 p.m. The event is free to the public.

"Getting Things Off My Chest," is available at Barnes and Noble, Books and Things, Amazon and many other great book stores.  

In "Getting Things Off My Chest," Melanie shares her own experience and interviews breast cancer survivors and experts from medical, cancer, and related communities to provide concise, useful information covering a broad range of issues. Some highlights:

• Five commandments for the newly diagnosed: understanding your health insurance,  managing finances, getting organized, assembling a health care team, and managing communications

• Selecting a surgeon and medical oncologist and managing treatment

• The "Squeeze Test"--breast reconstruction options

• The "Holy Trinity"--Hydrate, Gyrate and Masticate--nutrition management and exercise advice

• Putting Your Best Face Forward--tips for skin and oral care, hair loss and regrowth, and makeup

• Emotional Rescue--dealing with "chemo-brain," stress, body image, and sexuality

• Peer support and other helpful services 

Diagnosed with cancer in both breasts in August 2009, Melanie underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction, five months of chemotherapy, genetic testing, and prophylactic surgery to remove her ovaries and fallopian tubes. She used her experience to retool her diet, reboot her exercise regimen, rid her life of toxic stress, and repurpose her life through writing and helping other women facing the same journey.