calliemm

A Word from The Sisters

Life can change in an instant altering our paths forever. Brendan’s three-year battle with cancer proved that. Callie shared her family’s story through a series of blog posts written from her diary entries during that time. She knew it would be easier to do that than contact everyone individually at such an exhausting, scary time. In doing so, she took us on a journey alongside a remarkable human being, a loving husband, and a devoted father, as he faced an extraordinary test of resilience and strength. Brendan’s diagnosis of Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, changed everything. This book emerged through the blog posts Callie shared. In sharing them, the reader better understands the ups and downs and the lessons that come with a life-altering diagnosis. Theirs is a story of strength, resilience and the love that holds families together during unimaginably tough times.

Love, Unbroken shares some of the most challenging parts of Brendan’s life, as he faces the shock of his diagnosis, his strength evident while enduring medical treatments, procedures, and as he faces his mortality. The story also captures him in happier times. First, in the early days of his relationship with Callie, and later as a dad, helping to raise their two children in the quiet beachside town of Old Bar, reminding us how indiscriminate cancer is.

We see Callie become Bren’s rock, his support and eventually his carer, and Tyra and Baden’s innocence disrupted by the reality of cancer. The strength and grace these two amazing kids possess at such a young age is something most adults aspire to.

As Bren’s story unfolds, we experience community at its best. We get to know the people who are a part of the family’s life, nurses, doctors, therapists, family, and friends, each playing an essential role in Bren’s recovery. While the diagnosis of Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma brings immense difficulties, this book is a testament to love and strength as small victories and incredible milestones are celebrated, a reminder to never give up.

Bren’s resilience in the face of his mortality demonstrates how we can all overcome our circumstances, discovering inner strength and resolve. And it highlights the importance of family and community support.

It is hard not to be inspired by Love, Unbroken and easy to learn from the wisdom shared throughout the book as we walk beside this family in the following chapters. Callie and Bren’s story touched our hearts, and we know it will touch yours, too.

You’ll see life differently after reading Love, Unbroken. By the end, you realise that, above all else, Cal and Bren’s was just a simple love story.

Sue & Deb xx