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SixtyFive Roses Review and Giveaway

Lisa Martin80
If you purchase something after clicking on the links in this post, I’ll probably earn a few bucks from it. We aren’t talking enough for a mansion or yacht but more like chocolate and wine. And if I mention a product, I probably got a sample and possibly a cash payment. Remember that all Thoughts, Ideas, and Ramblings are 100% my own and may not represent your experience.

bookcoverWhen I started reading SixtyFive Roses, I had no idea what the book was about. All I knew was that Eva Longoria optioned the film rights, Celine Dion wrote the foreword, and Angela Lansbury said she couldn't put it down.  What I didn't expect was to pulled into the lives of the Summerhayes family.  Heather Summerhayes was only six when her sister (who was four) was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.  However, since she was only four, she couldn't say that and called it “sixtyfive roses” instead.  In those times, kids didn't live very long with the disease (I think the oldest living person with Cystic Fibrosis is in their forties now I think).  Pam beat all the odds and (spoiler alert!) she did end up living till she was 26.

This is not a book that is happy go lucky.  For me, I found it gut wrenching.  I have a cousin (who is in his twenties right now) who has Cystic Fibrosis, so this book hit close to home (aff) for me.  Before having children, I was tested to see if I was a carrier for Cystic Fibrosis (which I was not).  I am actually finding myself tearing up just trying to write this review – that's how much this book affected me.  It was Pam's deathbed wish that Heather write their story and to tell it like it was.  This book shows you this family's strength in a time there was no hope.  The Summerhayes helped to create the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Sick Kids hospital in Toronto. They set up a Financial Advisory Board as well as a Medical Advisory Board to help families and to raise funds for research for a cure.  There have been many books written about parents going through this struggle, but I think this is one of first of a siblings struggle.  This is one of the few that shows you what it is like to live in a home (aff) with a chronic illness and how it effects every single person.  You feel like you are one of family.  You laugh with them; you cry with them.  After reading this book, there is no way it doesn't leave an imprint on your heart and you soul.

This is one of the best books I think I have ever read, and I want one of you to have the opportunity to read this.  Here's what you need to do:

1. Leave a comment on this post. Tell me why you would like a copy of the SixtyFive Roses book.
2 (aff). Twitter about this contest. Please leave me your username so I can verify.
3 (aff). Stumble this post. If you don’t know what Stumble Upon is, please read Lori’s post at Blogging Cents. She explains it extremely well.
4. Add this post to other social media sites like Digg, Kirtsy, Blogging Zoom, Reddit, Propeller, Etc. (1 entry for each social network).

For 5 additional entries,

1. Blog about this on your blog. Please give me the URL, so I can verify.
2 (aff). Add this to any forums you belong too. Please give me the URL, so I can verify.
3 (aff). Subscribe to this blog using either my email or RSS feed
4. Add my badge to your sidebar:

Lisa Reviews

This giveaway will end on December 20 at 8:00 pm CST is available to US residents. Good luck!

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80 thoughts on “SixtyFive Roses Review and Giveaway”

  10. have many who have children who have cf, and have know many- my heart hurts becuase you just know the time is cherished but they go on and love live and laugh- there are many things to be inpsired in this book I just know it and would love to read it and pass it on

    Reply

  14. I would love to read this because it sounds like a heartwarming story and it tells the tale of love between two sisters. Thank you!

    Reply

  17. Although it may be a difficult book to read emotionally, I enjoy books that give me a learning experience. This book sound like a book that I won't put down until it is finished! Thanks for this giveaway!

    Reply

  26. Well, this would be totally out of my normal reading genre(s), but you make it sound like a book that would be very uplifting to read as well as teaching me things I don't know about this disease.

    I already follow you on twitter which is how I learned about this book and your contest. I've stumbled it and digg-ed it as well.

    ê¿ê

    Reply

  35. I'd love to read this poignant and compelling story, the book Sixtyfive Roses. One person's struggles equals everyone's, and I would lend it to everyone I know to read also.

    Reply

  56. I would love to read this book. True life stories are the best. Plus, the fact that one sister wrote it for the other pulls at my heartstrings.

    Reply

  57. Lisa's review made me want to read this book. I'm sure I had a Sixtyfive Roses Calender from donations and didn't know what it meant.

    Reply

  58. Thanks for this giveaway. This book is interesting to me. When my son was just six months old, he was tested for this disease. He was lucky enough not to receive a diagnosis of CF, but his experience left with me, awareness for the disease.

    Reply

  59. I LOVE TO READ 😯 , MOSTLY NON-FICTION…MY DAUGHTER WENT TO SCHOOL WITH A GIRL WITH CF, IT WOULD BE INTERESTING TO COMPARE THEIR LIVES.

    Reply

  60. Because I love to read anything I can get my hands on and then I pass it along so others can enjoy it as well.

    Reply

  63. Having always been blessed with good health, I love reading about the support, courage and hope people with diseases such as this have. I look at is as a building block, to understand what other people deal with in the face of despair.

    Reply

  72. This sounds like a really good book. I have a cousin with Cystic Fibrosis, so I would be very interested in reading this book. Thank you so much for the great giveaway!

    Reply

  77. This sounds like a very touching book,I have a neighbor who has
    Cystic Fibrosis and she suffers a great deal with it.I would love to
    read this book it helps to know what other's are dealing with,in
    order to help them.Thanks for the contest

    Reply

  78. I am a Nurse and have had various patients with this disease. By reading this book it would be the other side of the story! Thanks for the chance to win!!

    Reply

  79. I serve in the health care industry so this will be and should be on my reading list. I'll donate it to the township library after reading.

    Reply

  80. I have CF and am 48! I'm also a retired physician and now coach others with CF to be happy and as healthy as they can be with CF. I think this contest sounds great! I stumbled you, and I think I'll write a quick blog post, too (www.sickandhappy.com).
    I am not entering the contest (I just lost a brother to CF a couple of months ago, and have previously lost a sister so it sounds a bit much right now), but I'm going to help you publicize it!
    Be well.

    Reply

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In April 2006, Lisa began blogging to stay connected with distant relatives and friends. As she delved into blogging, she discovered the potential to assist others by sharing her experiences. Lisa has actively engaged in numerous exclusive media ventures. Notable among these are her participation in events such as the Sony Mommy Bloggers Event, the Pampers Mommy Bloggers Event, the Epson Event in Chicago, the Stouffers Event, a memorable yacht excursion with Lands End, collaborations with 1-800-Baskets, an exclusive tour for bloggers by Mrs. Prindable’s, partnerships with Hallmark, PopCap games, Chicago Cubs Mastercard Priceless Events, and Rug Doctor. In addition, she has collaborated with Nutrisystem on a weight loss initiative, teamed up with Buick and Chevy, and served as a brand ambassador for Sprint. Lisa's collaboration portfolio also extends to Disney, where she has participated in press trips for significant movies such as Frozen, Guardians of the Galaxy, McFarland USA, The Good Dinosaur, The BFG, and Cars 3. Notably, for projects like Frozen, The BFG, and Cars 3, she was granted the privilege of walking the red carpet and conducting interviews with celebrities. The impact of Lisa's blog has gained recognition, with The New York Times referencing her content. Moreover, she has been featured in interviews by respected publications such as the Southtown Star, The Chicago Sun Times, and inside.