'A Journal for Karen': Author Shares Gift of Love for Sister with Readers Everywhere Touched...( WASHINGTON Kan. March 17 /- When ...),Health

WASHINGTON, Kan., March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- When Peggy L. Chapin learned in 2006 that her sister Karen had brain cancer, it took a little while for her to come to terms with the shocking and life-altering diagnosis. Once she was finally able to adjust to this new reality, Chapin knew she wanted to do something very special for her sister.

What Chapin came up with was a way for Karen to stay connected to the world passing by during her time of incredible struggle, and now she shares with readers everywhere the product of her sisterly love: "A Journal for Karen" (published by AuthorHouse -- http://www.authorhouse.com).

Of her decision to create a journal for her sister, Chapin explains:

I have known many people who had cancer. When talking to several of them upon completion of their treatments, many remarked they wished they could remember what all had happened during that time of their life. Stress, illness and treatments may leave gaps in one's memory. I decided, in order to help Karen fill those gaps, I would record various moments in time for her ... Family was everything to Karen. That is where I came in. I would help her remember.

Chapin purchased a journal and lovingly began writing. She shared the happenings of Karen's friends and family, and she tried to add some humor where little could be found. In Chapin's words, "Life itself at times gives us humor when we think we are on the verge of total despair."

Over time, the journal became a way for Chapin to cope. "When there was nothing else I could do," she remarks, "I prayed, I knitted, I wrote."

The journal was to be given to Karen upon completion of her treatment -- when she had recovered and beaten the disease that plagued her body. But Karen never got to read the journal, losing her battle with cancer on Jan. 25, 2007.

"After some time had passed, I decided to share the journal with Karen's family,"
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