Clearwater, Florida - While everyone's life throws them curveballs, Steven Koss got pummeled with all of his in just a few short years. It was a tumultuous and soul-stretching period of grief, depression, addiction and the realization that life is far from perfect.
But Koss is still here today, stronger than ever before and reflecting on his experiences in a powerful and potentially life-changing new book. 'On Stand-by South of Heaven: Coping with Cancer My Struggle My Journey My Growth' is more than just a memoir; it's a guide and beacon of hope for those also dealing with life in ways they could have never imagined.
Synopsis: This the true story of a son taking care of his dying father, a man he didn't know very well, or even liked, who was diagnosed with brain cancer. This is a story of bankruptcy and breakups; of drug abuse and depression; of fights, both physical and verbal; and numerous doctors, lawyers, shrinks, police, and social workers. This is a story of confronting death and family healing. This is a story of inspiration and overcoming. This is my story as honest as it comes, from leaving my entire life behind in Florida to come home to giant mess in Cleveland that I thought I could clean up easily. How wrong I was. It's part of life, taking care of your parents -I just got there first.
"As I found, there's a dearth of resources out there for those dealing with sick or troubled family members," explained Koss. "I believe that my story is at the upper end of aggressiveness and, having come out the other side alive, I saw it as my duty to commit my story to paper so it can help others wearing the same shoes I did."
Continuing, "With memoirs, it's rare to find an author who will be totally upfront and honest. I pull no punches when getting to the bottom of the uncomfortable details that really illustrated how my life was back then. But, ironically, this book isn't about me - it's about humanity's ability to triumph, and it's a torch for those trying to find light in their own lives.'
Readers and critics have received the book with critical acclaim. For example, Clair Dowd comments, "This is a great book for anyone to read, not just those dealing with cancer or someone close to them fighting cancer. This is a book of life lessons, struggles, and accomplishment. Of survival in the most difficult situations in life. This story can inspire anyone and even has some good laughs in it. Highly recommended."
Ed Jankowski adds, "Very compelling story of a man's struggle to deal with the duty of helping his father who is dying from cancer. He goes through the lows of life which helps him to realize just how important life is and the people around him who help him with this journey and turn him into a better person."
'On Stand-by South of Heaven: Coping with Cancer My Struggle My Journey My Growth' is available now: https://www.amazon.com/Stand-South-Heaven-Struggle-Journey-ebook/dp/B01BPPQG6U/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?tag=parentherald08-20.
About the author, in his own words: My name is Steven Koss and I'm 35 years old. I grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio but now reside in sunny Clearwater, Florida. I am a recent graduate of the University of South Florida, where I earned a B.S. in marketing. While enrolled I was an active member in the American Marketing Association and Director of Community Service. I also hold a Florida Real Estate License and an ACE Personal Training Certification. In addition to writing and working out, I enjoy cooking, throwing darts, traveling, movies, and paper towels.
