Maryann and Chemo Buddy
Maryann Grau was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2016. The devastating effects of the disease were not unknown to her as both of her parents, and an uncle she had been helping to care for, had succumbed to one form or another of the disease. Additionally, both of her younger brothers are cancer survivors. The examples of courage, dignity, and humor demonstrated by beloved family members throughout their treatments were not lost on her, and she was determined to follow in their footsteps. Usually considered a death sentence—only 9% of pancreatic cancer patients survive more than five years—her diagnosis was no laughing matter. And yet, she credits her ability to write about her cancer experience from a humorous perspective as having had a major impact on her recovery. Maryann hopes that anyone facing difficult life challenges will read and draw inspiration from her book.