Radiate: A YA Survival Story of a Cheerleader Fighting Cancer with Strength

This book hits home for me. Having lost so many family members to cancer and watching several still battle this horrible disease, "Radiate" is more than just inspirational. It is a guide book for anyone who is batteling adversity. Ms. Gibson draws her storyline form her personal battle with cancer. It is a story of triumph and growth! I was moved from tears to laughter in this cleverly written book. Marley Gibson has outdone herself in" Radiate"!

This fictional account of real teen with cancer reveals what strength of character is required when what you have always wanted to do is crushed by the unfair in life. Hayley stands up for herself with other teens and even her medical team. It is funny and inspirational. In an era where most teen books are just a rehash of other stories, Radiate stands above.

When you begin reading this book, you will feel yourself in the room with the characters. You're literally in the story as each character's story entwines with Haley's. You will quickly find yourself immersed, as well as emotionally invested in the story. Marley's writing style is brilliant, as it caters to readers from 13- 40 and beyond. When you purchase your copy, be prepared to be unwilling to lay it aside, as it will be difficult to walk away from. Aptly named Radiate- because it RADIATES inspiration, and triumph over adversity! A must read! *A note of thanks to Marley Gibson for sharing her personal triumph over the monster known as cancer, and for letting her light radiate for the rest of us!*

Marley Gibson is a masterful writer. As a cancer survivor myself it opened my eyes to how other people view you. This book is emotional, uplifting and would be a gift to yourself to read

I absolutely love this book!! It is like a perfect back flip! Or getting out of the hospital on a good sunny day . suspenseful very well written!:) great for teens and middle school!

Hayley is such an inspiring character. She's so positive and I'd hope that if I ever got cancer, I could keep that kind of attitude. This is more than a book about cancer though, it is a book about survival, the bonds of family, and about living to fight another day so that you can do what you love. Hayley was so strong, and it kinda inspired me to be a better person. She went through so much more than I have and I've been much more down than her, but I love that she still made time for others, and didn't get so focused on herself. I related to this book because even though there is nothing wrong with being a "band geek" or a "jrotc nerd" which was exactly what I was, and mostly happy about it, I wondered occasionally how the popular side lived. It was neat to read about someone crossing that divide, being able to fit in and loving what she does. Not only is Hayley a great main character, I also enjoyed Lora and Gabriel. They rang true to me, and I would love to have friends like them. This book is very emotional at times, I was tearing up at a few parts, and I think that Ms. Gibson did a good job being descriptive, moving the plot along, and making me connect with the characters. It made it even more awesome that Ms. Gibson wrote from experience and her personal life, and the foundation that she started.

Caution: Some language in this book may not be suitable for all readers.'So I only have one word to describe this book. Awe! I am totally in awe of the strength and courage of Hayley! Radiate is the story of Hayley Matthews who in her senior year of high school wants to do something more with her life. She has been in the high school band and made it through most of her high school years unnoticed. But she is tired of blending in. She wants to finally stand out! To be noticed. To do something MORE! So she trades in her trumpet for a pair or pompoms. Despite the challenges of being a cheerleader, she pushes herself to excell in her sport. Little does she know that her body is fighting against her. After a few weeks of practice, she notices a pain in her leg, but thinks that it is from all the extra exercise from practice. So she ignores it as best she can and keeps pushing forward, until one day she notices a knot on her leg and finally tells her parents. After a couple doctors appointments, and harsh diagnoses, her mother calls in Hayley's uncle who is a doctor to get his opinion. He tells them that he believes that she has osteosarcoma. He helps them to understand some of the things that will be involved in fighting this disease and helps them find a doctor he feels will be the best match for them. Hayley says goodbye to her friends and heads to the UAB Hospital to begin her fight. Though she spends most of her summer there, she tries to stay optimistic. She doesn't allow herself to feel sorry for herself or wish her diagnosis on anyone else. She is going to fight this. She is going to win! Even after her surgery, she continues to prepare herself for the cheerleading season ahead. She will not let cancer stop her! She watches videos of her squad practicing their routines. She even goes to a practice with a local squad that came to visit her in the hospital. She is determined that she will be part of her squad and be the best cheerleader she can be. With all her focus on doing this, cancer never even has a chance to consume her mind. She never really lets it in. But there are so many obstacles that she is going to have to over come. Will she be able to find the Something More she was looking for? Will she continue to be able to be a part of her squad after she surgery? Well I guess you will just have to read and find out, cause that's all your getting out of me!!!