A Diary of Healing

One woman, two breasts, eight chemotherapy treatments, nine surgeries, one stroke, fifty-five physical therapy visits, two silicone implants, double nipple reconstruction, $4,000 tattoos, and hundreds of Krispy Kreme donuts later, Mary Ann Wasil is here to graciously share her life-changing journey as she continues to “kick breast cancer’s ass!”

At thirty-nine years of age, Mary Ann already had a positive outlook on life, a strong relationship with God, and had created a nurturing home for her three young children. In February 2004 she noticed a lump in her breast and took the normal precautions by visiting a radiologist and having a mammogram and ultrasound. The doctor felt there was nothing to worry about, but Mary Ann listened to her gut and insisted on additional testing. Just a few days later, Mary Ann was diagnosed with breast cancer.

She had every opportunity to crumble, look at life as though it was bound to end, and succumb to her disease. However, Mary Ann did just the opposite.

She insisted on wearing stilettos to each chemotherapy treatment and brought warm Krispy Kreme donuts and pink gerbera daisies for her doctor and the other women waiting for treatments and check-ups. Mary Ann refused pity or tears from her loved ones, choosing instead to turn weakness into strength, even prepping her children to respond to questions about her health by smiling and responding, “our mom is great, she’s kicking breast cancer’s ass!”

Surrounded by an immense support group of family and devoted close friends, Mary Ann was able to get through a series of unfortunate events that followed her diagnosis, including a stroke and heart surgery, as well as the subsequent bi-lateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgeries.

Mary Ann Wasil’s resume is colorful and varied - breast cancer survivor, former police officer, and actress (having had a small role on the on the soap opera “All My Children” for many years) but her current role is one that suits her best. Mary Ann has made it her mission to educate girls on the importance of breast health, and shares her courageous story with women across the globe. An outstanding speaker and health activist, Mary Ann founded a nonprofit organization, The Get In Touch Foundation, which educates girls on the importance of breast-self examinations. This program has been implemented in all 50 states, and more than 20 countries. In 2010, she had the honor of speaking to thousands of inspired women at Maria Shriver’s nationally acclaimed Women’s Conference in California.

Mary Ann looks back on her emotional journey and a life filled with curveballs in a positive and sometimes comical light, proving the strength of faith and love in life threatening situations.

A Diary of Healing is the extremely personal account of Mary Ann Wasil’s journey with breast cancer, and delivers a message of sincere hope and courage. Page after page, Mary Ann keeps you intrigued with each life changing event that she faces. By mixing her light hearted comedy with the terrifying experience of being a cancer patient, Mary Ann is an inspiration to all women who are afraid to conquer even the smallest obstacles in life. In her extremely emotional yet endlessly positive take on her journey, Mary Ann tests the true strength of her faith in her fight against breast cancer. Her optimism, devotion to God and pure love for her family proves that courage alone has the power to overcome what some may deem impossible. Mary Ann Wasil’s A Diary of Healing conveys valuable lessons that can be used to inspire every type of woman in their everyday life.

- Jan Miller,

literary agent, owner of DMA, Dupree Miller & Associates,

global literary agency and brand influencer