It started with a simple question: How can we help them? It became an international movement called NEGU: Never Ever Give Up. When Jessica Joy Rees was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at age 11, she chose to focus not on herself but on bringing joy and hope to other children suffering from cancer. During the ten months she battled cancer, she and her family worked in the "Joy Factory" (originally their garage) making JoyJars (R)-packages filled with toys, games, and love for other kids with cancer. Jessie first handed them out personally at the hospital where she was being treated, but the effort blossomed quickly and there were soon thousands of JoyJars (R) being distributed across the United States and to over fifteen countries. Today, more than 100,000 kids have received JoyJars (R), and they continue shipping each week to kids in over 200 children's hospitals and 175 Ronald McDonald Houses. Jessie lost her battle with cancer in January 2012, but her message lives on in the Jessie Rees Foundation, which has become a beacon of hope for families fighting pediatric cancer. Join the movement at www.negu.org.

When Gaby faked a pregnancy to challenge stereotypes, she also changed her life. A compelling memoir from an inspirational teenage activist.
Growing up, Gaby Rodriguez was often told she would end up a teen mom. After all, her mother and her older sisters had gotten pregnant as teenagers; from an outsider's perspective, it was practically a family tradition. Gaby had ambitions that didn't include teen motherhood. But she wondered: how would she be treated if she "lived down" to others' expectations? Would everyone ignore the years she put into being a good student and see her as just another pregnant teen statistic with no future? These questions sparked Gaby's high school senior project: faking her own pregnancy to see how her family, friends, and community would react. What she learned changed her life forever--and made international headlines in the process.
In "The Pregnancy Project," Gaby details how she was able to fake her own pregnancy--hiding the truth from even her siblings and boyfriend's parents--and reveals all that she learned from the experience. But more than that, Gaby's story is about fighting stereotypes, and how one girl found the strength to come out from the shadow of low expectations to forge a bright future for herself.

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem in America, affecting one in every nine people. Conquering Panic and Anxiety Disorders brings us triumphant tales by those who have overcome them. Men and women of diverse ages and backgrounds share their individual experiences battling anxiety. Offering hope and inspiration, their essays discuss methods for recovery and techniques to manage symptoms. Each account is followed by a therapists explanation of the recovery techniques used and how others can apply these techniques to their lives.

It was a beautiful fall day in Connecticut when Colleen Alexander, a lifelong competitive athlete, rode her bike home from work, having just learned her job with the nonprofit PeaceJam was secure. She had survived a diagnosis of lupus and brain surgery that almost took her life, and was married at last to the love of her life, Sean. Life was good as she met the eyes of a truck driver rolling up to the stop sign beside her.

He didn't stop.

The truck hit Colleen, running over her lower body with front and back tires and dragging her across the pavement. As she bled out in the street, nearby stranger surrounded her and the driver attempted to get away. An EMT herself, Colleen knew she had to stay awake. "I've just been reconnected with my soulmate," she told the medic. "We want to have a baby. I can't die now. Please don't let me die." Colleen spent five weeks in a coma and had 29 surgeries. But she survived, and despite losing her job and suffering from PTSD, she began to focus on all the heroes who saved her life. Determined to find a way to make something positive from her pain, she decided she'd run again. She would dedicate her race medals to the everyday heroes around us, including the medical staff and the 156 blood donors who saved her life.

Since the accident Colleen has run 50 races and completed 40 triathalons, including 4 half-Ironman events (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, 13.1-mile run). She is now a spokesperson for the Red Cross, and shares her incredible inspirational story to encourage others to take that first step forward.

This is Jamie Blyth's powerful story behind the reality star's TV image--and a message of hope and healing for the 20 million Americans who suffer from social anxiety disorder. As one of the finalists on ABiTV's reality dating show "The Bachelorette," Jamie Blyth risked his heart before millions, while going public with his personal struggle against social anxiety and panic disorder in hopes of helping those who continue to suffer in silence.

"Fear Is No Longer My Reality "includes: Expert advice on understanding and handling anxiety disorders from leading authorities Information on the latest research-based behavior therapies Reviews of the new FDA-approved medications A step-by-step plan for managing anxiety

Blyth's amazing transition from a life of fear to a life in the spotlight is explored through stories from his TV life, along with interviews from fellow "Bachelorette" stars Ryan Sutter, Trista Rehn, Charlie Maher, and Bob Guiney.

Born in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, this anthology shares stories about what it takes to beat the odds. More than 100 writers contributed these essays, fiction and poetry to raise money for disaster relief charities in the region. Featuring writing from Orson Scott Card, Wil Wheaton, and Robin Lee Hatcher. At times tear-jerking, at times humorous, this book is guaranteed to inspire and remind readers that the human spirit knows no boundaries.