I Never Rang The Bell

I Never Rang the Bell is a sincere and compelling memoir from Andrea Leigh Ritcey, who, at the age of fifty-one, had it all - a career, a loving family, and a beautiful home. And yet, her nagging, persistent inner voice led her to the staggering diagnosis of endometrial cancer. In a powerful, raw and inspirational tell-all of her "annus horribilis," Ritcey details her sudden and unthinkable journey as her life inevitably turns upside down. Leading us from the very beginning (day zero) she pushes through pivotal moments of extreme adversity while demonstrating unyielding courage, true grit, unflinching honesty, and at times, ridiculous hilarity. She exemplifies the vast magnitude of the human spirit as her story is one of incredible perseverance, sheer determination, and the full aftermath that her illness ensues. Backed by a strong and supportive partner in a real-life love story, her stirring memoir elicits heart-warming feelings as her journey takes many, memorable turns. Whether you're facing a cancer diagnosis or simply in need of some uplifting, this encouraging true-story just might be exactly what you're looking for.

A "good ole, Nova Scotia girl," Andrea Leigh Ritcey was raised in a quaint little town just outside of Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 1994 she graduated from Acadia University with two degrees; Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education and went on to a near twenty-year career in the public school system. During this time, she worked with an accumulated total of close to 4000 students throughout the province conducting numerous bands, choirs and hosting many public performances. Outside of her career, she raised two daughters, married the love of her life, opened up a private music studio, held numerous recitals, sang in a regular choral group, recorded three CDs and went on to own a giant English Mastiff which she reared from puppyhood to 200-pound adult. A musician, avid performer and community theatre actor, her favorite hobbies include golfing, down-hill skiing, gardening and interior decorating. Of the many shingles she could hang however, first and foremost would be "Teacher." It's in her heart, and in her soul. When her life went completely sideways with a cancer diagnosis, she realized, unquestionably, that she wanted to share her experiences in a memoir in order to help others. I Never Rang the Bell quickly materialized.Currently Andrea resides in a small seaside village near "world famous" Peggy's Cove and is now in full recovery. She has returned to her students and continues to teach music to many. On any given day you can find her strumming her guitar or hanging out ocean-side with the loves of her life.