Time to Soar: When Loss Becomes New Beginnings

In this inspiring true story, Renee d'Offay, shares the challenges and experiences of surviving a life threatening illness that sent her into a world of silence overnight. In 2002, she contracted with meningococcal meningitis, which wiped away all her natural hearing, leaving her profoundly deaf in both ears. 'Time to Soar' gives you an honest insight into her ability to overcome this misfortune and describes the way she has created a positive life from a very difficult situation.

Renee d'Offay is an inspiring Deaf role model who has touched the hearts of many through sharing her challenging experiences. She is a qualified Teacher of the Deaf and LOTE Auslan teacher living in Geelong, Australia with her husband, Jason and her dog, Ouzo.

"There is a rawness and honesty in the way Renee tells her story. Without fanfare Renee leads you on an insightful, emotional, human journey of tragedy and triumph. Like the chrysalis Renee emerges from her destructive illness, with a determination to soar and embrace her new life. A truly inspiring story told with humour, modesty and love. There is an empowering, life affirming message to be learnt from Renee's attitude and approach to adversity". - Rob Walker, Secondary English Teacher, Grovedale College, Geelong, Australia

Renee D'Offay is an inspiring Deaf role model who has touched the hearts of many through her challenging experiences. Her book is a memoir which she hopes will inspire others. Renee was born thirteen minutes before her twin sister Jane on December 22, 1982. She grew up with her family in the small Victorian coastal town of Breamlea. Renee was born and lived with natural hearing for nineteen years before she contracted meningococcal meningitis in 2002, which left her profoundly deaf. This life-changing experience encouraged Renee to have a new outlook on life, and started her on a journey for which she could never be prepared.