Strength From Within: Surviving Cancer: The Power of Gifts and Hope

On September 5th, 2018, Kim Nelson received a diagnosis that would change her life forever. In this candid memoir, she tells of her emotional, physical, and spiritual journey through breast cancer-from the moment of diagnosis, through surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and steps forward in the aftermath of illness.

Equal parts heartbreaking and uplifting, Strength from Within details the debilitating anxiety and loss of selfhood that can accompany cancer, alongside the surprising joys of self-discovery and the life-giving support of loved ones. Through transcribed correspondence with her colleagues, friends, and family members, Kim demonstrates the ways in which her community held her up during the most challenging time of her life.

At the heart of this book is a firm grounding in faith, possibility, and gratitude. Kim reminds readers to "know and appreciate what you have with the goal of embracing it with your whole heart" and offers comfort, compassion, and outrageous love to fellow sufferers when they need it the most.

Kim Nelson is a Nova Scotia-based counsellor, cancer survivor, and author. After retiring in 2023 from a twenty-six-year career as a school counsellor, Kim opened a private practice: Hope and Strength From Within Counselling Services. Strength from Within is her first book, and she hopes that her story will offer hope, comfort, and solidarity to patients, survivors, and caregivers on their individual cancer journeys.

Kim lives in Aylesford, Nova Scotia with her husband, Kevin, and their two dogs, Koko and Luna.