Changed By Chance: My Journey of Triumph Over Tragedy

Description

Elizabeth Barker spent years planning and working hard to achieve her version of the American dream - one that is supposed to culminate in parenthood and the role of supermom. But when her first child is born with Down syndrome and a fatal heart condition, her dream suddenly becomes a nightmare. And that's only the beginning... Liz's new reality is a detoured obstacle course of life altering encounters, medical mishaps, a breast cancer diagnosis, and cruel hardships. From the moment of her daughter's birth, she is pummeled with life lessons that no schooling or formal education could have ever taught her. Can Liz keep her sanity and some semblance of her former self alive and well through all of this? Changed by Chance is a courageous story of soul searching introspection about how this champion acquired the necessary life skills to Triumph over Tragedy. Her inspiring journey offers a roadmap to others who may face their own bumps in the road.

A native of Philadelphia, Elizabeth Barker is an author, speaker and an award winning career mom. Liz has been a guest on radio and television, sharing her transformational journey of becoming a Champion by Choice. Learn more about Liz's life lessons learned and her inspirational mission to fulfill a prophecy of triumph over tragedy on her website www.changedbychance.com

"[Changed by Chance] is a heartbreaking, inspirational story of perseverance through a maelstrom of tragic events that Barker manages to triumph over. The experiences in this book seem almost too harrowing to be true, yet the author's intelligent, clear prose will keep readers grounded. It's food for thought for every reader." -Kirkus Reviews "This stunningly honest and intimate memoir is a moving and inspiring testament to the enduring power of love to strengthen us and heal us after even the most challenging of obstacles have been thrown our way. Liz Barker is the mom we all would wish to be." -Emily Perl Kingsley, Sesame Street writer for 45 years "Elizabeth Barker had to learn the hard way about being an advocate for health care. Readers will gain inspiration from her tenacity, courage, and passion, and the positive att itude that enabled her to live beyond the loss of her child, as well as part of herself, with a breast cancer diagnosis." -Jean Sachs, MSS, MLSP, CEO of Living Beyond Breast Cancer "This stunningly honest and intimate memoir is a moving and inspiring testament to the enduring power of love to strengthen us and heal us after even the most challenging of obstacles have been thrown our way." -Emily Perl Kingsley, author and Emmy-award-winning writer for Sesame Street "Elizabeth Barker's remarkable story offers valuable life lessons and inspirations. It reminds us to greet others with open hearts and empathy because you simply don't know the obstacles that they have overcome. It is a compelling tribute to a truly special child." -Catie Tobin, Head Correspondent, RBC Wealth Management "Liz's story is so real and relatable. You will be struck by her candor and inspired by her strength. Her 'Angel Moments,' as she describes them, reminds us that we really are spiritual beings having a human experience. You will read some rather amazing, magical moments of synchronicity and foreshadowing. Her grateful attitude has fueled her with positive energy to attract good things despite being challenged by many, many difficult moments in her life. She has definitely 'Triumphed Over Tragedy' and continues on a positive journey. She reminds us all that we can triumph too." -Nancy P. Ottaviano, WinningEDGE, www.WinningEdgeEvents.com