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People all around the world have been moved by Susan's harrowing story not only because it is heartbreaking, but because for many, it is one that hits very close to home. A native of West Palm Beach, Susan enjoyed a successful career as an award-winning journalist for the Palm Beach Post. Having been featured on NBC's Dateline and Nancy Grace, her face was familiar to many locals as she reported the behind-the-scenes highlights of high-profile court cases tried in Palm Beach County. Susan's face is now familiar to people all over the world as a wife and mother of three who, faced with a rapidly progressive paralyzing and terminal illness, refused to give up on life for the sake of her family.

Palm Beach Editor Lissa Dorsey sat down with Susan at her home in West Palm to discuss her enduring strength and courage. Barely able to speak at this stage of her illness, Susan spoke through her husband, John and best friend, Nancy. Quoting one of the fundamental beliefs of Buddhism, Susan says, "desire is the root of all suffering." Susan explains that she refuses to wallow in self-pity at the things that she can no longer do or long for those things in life that once brought her so much joy like traveling and yoga.  It is likely this attitude that makes it possible for Susan's children to lead normal lives despite having to watch their mother die. Marina, age 15, Aubrey, age 11 and Wesley, age 9 are doing "remarkably well" according to Susan who says of her daily interactions with them, "the more nonplussed I am, they will be the same. If I sat here and cried all the time, it would not be fun." The children are not treated by a therapist and they do not sit down and discuss Susan's illness or dwell on her impending death.  "I want them to understand that death is a part of life - the sucky part," explains Susan. When asked if she truly believes that she spent her last Christmas with her family as reported in the media, Susan says "yes, but the best answer is we don't know what's meant to be."

Although Susan will not be around to help John finish raising their beautiful children, Susan explains how she has spent her final days making sure to leave behind a part of her for them to always hold on to. In addition to writing her memoir, Susan made a scrapbook for each child and recorded excerpts from H. Jackson Brown, Jr. Life's Little Instruction Book. One of her favorite instructions - #24 Drink Champagne For No Reason At All to which Susan adds, "once you're 21."

Watching Susan laugh and smile throughout our meeting with her, you can see why Susan's memoir is the perfect combination of humor in the face of heartbreak. 

Thank you, Susan for welcoming us into your home and for serving as a reminder of the importance of living each day to its fullest with love and laughter. We are proud to honor you with the JAB Spotlight.

 
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