Radio Interview:  Third Age Radio Show, Santa Barbara California (July 1,2008) LIVE with Dr. Peter Brill and David Debin.  Connie will be discussing her book, Trading Ashes for Roses: From Pain to Passion. Click here to listen to a portion of the interview.

In the News: New York's Lower Hudson Valley News by Ken Valenti, The Support Connection Luncheon. Click here to read the article.

In the News: Interview by Linda Espenshade for Lancaster News on Chicken Soup for the Coffee Lover's Soul - Click here to read the article.

In the News: I'm Glad I'm a Mom by Harvest House, interview by Jo-Ann Greene, Intelligencer Journal. Click here to read the article.

In the News: Interview by Jo-Ann Greene on The One Year Life Verse by Tyndale House Publishers: Click here to read the article. 

Radio Interview: Click here to listen to a radio interview with Dana Lynch from Inspire Radio as Connie talks about being "Touched by a Coffee-Loving Angel" in the new Chicken Soup Series by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen ~ Chicken Soup for the Coffee-Lover's Soul.

In the News:  Connie was the keynote speaker for Mom's House held at the Willow Valley Resort and Conference Center.  Mom's House® provides safe, secure, and totally free childcare to low-income single parents wishing to continue their education. "Giving the resources to moms so they can finish their education provides a 'future and a hope' for their children," states the author. For more information and details, click here.

 

Words of Praise from WJTL Radio
90.3 FM, Lancaster, PA - "Live Talk Radio"

"You are the best guest ever!  We love having you on the show! ~Lisa Landis,

"The Get-Up and Go Morning Show"

 

 

Media Interview Questions

Trading Ashes for Roses: From Pain to Passion by PublishAmerica

Connie Pombo is available for media interviews by calling 717-426-1180, e-mailing her at conniepombo@hotmail.com or faxing at 717-426-4580.

 

About Trading Ashes for Roses . . 

                      Is Trading Ashes for Roses intended for a particular audience?

Ans: The book is ideal for all ages, all faiths, men and women—anyone who has experienced tragedy, pain, or loss. Although given from a cancer survivor’s perspective, each chapter gives helpful hints for the survivor, caregiver, family and friends during each step of the emotional journey. This is the book I wish I had when I was diagnosed, I wanted to say, “Here read this book! This is what I’m feeling and this is how you can help.” People are often at a loss at what to say and do when someone has cancer.  One comment sent me into hiding for days:  “I hope you don’t die a horrible, painful death like my dear friend with your same type of cancer!” Ouch!  If you know someone going through the cancer journey, you will find all the “helps” and “hints” in this book invaluable

What makes this book so unique from other books of its kind? 

Ans:  Unlike other “cancer” books, this one has a passionate ending! Through my pain, I discovered my passion—speaking and writing. In fact, “Living the Passionate Life” has now become my most requested retreat topic. People want to know how to live passionate lives—they want their life to having meaning and purpose. Some of us just get a head start by discovering what is really important in life through some tragedy, pain, or loss. For me, it took a cancer diagnosis to discover what I was truly passionate about. 

You are a breast cancer survivor and you share how through your pain you discovered your passion—can you explain?

Ans:  When I was first diagnosed, I went through a deep depression. I was 40 years old and had two boys, ages 9 and 14. I thought my life was over, when in fact it was just beginning. As part of my recovery, I would take long walks and bring along my camera.  I was amazed how through the lens of my camera, life was taking on new meaning and hope. I started giving photo cards as gifts to encourage others the way I was encouraged during one of the darkest times of my life. Later I started giving seminars on “When Someone You Know Has Cancer”—it was my way of giving back. It was through my pain, I discovered my passion of speaking, writing, and photography

What would you say to others experiencing the same difficulty?

Ans:  Never give up hope!  Every cancer survivor is a statistic of one. You can’t compare yourself or your disease with others. One of the first phone calls I made was to another survivor.  That was the beginning of hope—someone who had survived for five years. Later I volunteered with the American Cancer Society and connected with other survivors. My hope and faith were strengthened by the experience.

You are the Founder of Women’s Mentoring Ministries. Can you tell us a little bit about the organization and what you do?

Ans:  I founded Women’s Mentoring Ministries shortly after I was diagnosed as a way of giving back. There were significant women in my life who mentored me through my cancer journey.  Mentoring relationships are vital, especially in our increasingly mobile society.  I help the local church develop mentoring programs and develop stronger leadership teams.

If you could sum up this book in one word, what would it be?

Ans:  Inspiring! Although the journey was painful—I wouldn’t wish cancer on my worst enemy—however the lessons I learned from the experience I couldn’t have learned any other way. The encouragement I received from others started me on a path to recovery and my deep faith in God sustained me.

 I understand you have two other books in the works, what are they?

Ans:  Actually, I am a contributing author to God Allows U-Turns: The Choices Women Make by Bethany House Publishers released in March 2006; co-author of Conversations on Faith by Insight Publishing with Dr. Robert Schuller, Dave Dravecky, and Ann Jillian; and I’m writing my next book, Living Life Passionately.  It will be a compilation book—real life stories of those who have discovered their passion through great tragedy, pain or loss.  

 How do you intend to use the proceeds of the book?

Ans: A portion of the proceeds of the book will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Thank you for your interest in the book Trading Ashes for Roses and I look forward to hearing from you.

Living Life Passionately,

 

Connie Pombo