Always smile : Carley Allison's secrets for laughing, loving and living
Carley Allison was an up-and-coming young figure skater and singer who died tragically at the age of 18 of a cancer so rare there were only seven cases in the world. In this book, you will come to know Carley in her own words and in the words of the people who knew and loved her. Author Alice Kuipers weaves the memories of Carley's friends, family, and boyfriend with the blog Carley kept throughout her journey, from the moment she was diagnosed until her final months of searching for treatment that would keep the disease at bay. Kuipers also recreates pivotal moments from Carley's point of view, acting as ventriloquist for a voice lost too young. This book is built around the words she lived by, both in sickness and in health. Above all, again and again, she summed up her philosophy in two words: always smile.
Available Copies by Location
Location | |
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Victoria | Available |
Browse Related Items
Subject |
Allison, Carley, 1995-2015. Trachea > Cancer > Patients > Canada > Biography. Cancer > Patients > Canada > Biography. |
Genre |
Biographies. |
- ISBN: 9781525300400
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Physical Description
print
390 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm - Publisher [Place of publication not identified] : [publisher not identified], 2019.
Additional Information
Kirkus Review
Always Smile : Carley Allison's Secrets for Laughing, Loving and Living
Kirkus Reviews
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
When the late Canadian figure skater and singer/songwriter Carley Allison, was diagnosed with a rare and deadly cancer at 17, she shared her difficult journey through treatment.This authorized biography draws from Carley's blog, text messages, photos on social media, and interviews with family and friends. All testify to Carley's popularity, upbeat personality, athleticism, competitive drive, and generosity throughout her brief life. She set and met tough goals for herself through surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. Medical intervention exhausted, she tried residential treatment at an alternative Florida institute claiming cancer cures via a raw, vegan diet. Against her parents' wishes, doctors told then-19-year-old Carley that she was dying. The timing of events isn't always clear, and interviews are undated, but the clear intention is to inspire others to remain optimistic and positive: When an effort fails, there's always something else to try. Contradicting that message is the equally strong portrait of someone exceptional afflicted with an exceedingly rare cancer. Carley, who was of European and Iranian descent, was supported by a loving, financially comfortable family and a loyal network of friends. It's when the mask of cheery optimism falters that readers truly connect with Carley; then her journey becomes ours. Readers comfortable with social media will be drawn in by the large number of photographs, varied formats, and brief segments.A touching portrait of a remarkable celebrity influencer who used her exposure to inspire herself and others. (Biography. 12-16) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.