Lessons in Loss and Living: Hope and Guidance for Confronting Serious Illness and Grief

Dr. Michele Reiss, an expert in the field of death and dying, specializes in helping clients cope with life-threatening illnesses and helping their families through the grieving process. A highly respected therapist, she counseled Randy Pausch, author of The Last Lecture, and his wife, Jai, as Randy was dying of pancreatic cancer.

Now Dr. Reiss provides comfort and counsel for readers who are coping with the challenges of serious illness or grief. Through real-life examples of people who have dealt with cancer and other illnesses, she has given us a book about hope and the art of living and loving well, despite significant adversity.

This beautifully written, inspiring book reminds the rest of us that time is precious, and that we should live our lives fully, generously, and with joy.

Dr. Michele Reiss is the Assistant Program Director and Director of Behavioral Medicine for the UPMC St. Margaret Family Medicine Residency Program in Pittsburgh, PA. She also maintains a private psychotherapy practive in Pittsburgh. She is also Assistant Professor for both the University of Pittsburgh's School of Medicine/Family Medicine Department, and the Graduate School of Nursing/Community and Mental Health Dept. Her practice focuses on work with patients struggling with life threatening illnesses, and those coping with loss or grief issues. She worked with Randy and Jai Pausch as they dealt with his illness.