Elena Desserich was an exceptional little girl. Diagnosed with brain cancer at five years old, Elena began to hide hundreds of little notes around the house—in places such as sock drawers, backpacks and tucked between books on their shelves—for her parents, Brooke and Keith, to find after she was gone. Comprised of the journal entries kept by Brooke and Keith during the last days of Elena's life, as well as inspirational photos throughout, NOTES LEFT BEHIND [William Morrow; On Sale: 10/27/09; $19.99/Hardcover], by Brooke and Keith Desserich, imparts the priceless lesson they learned from Elena: every moment spent with your child is precious. The authors' proceeds from the book will go to the Desserich's non-profit, The Cure Starts Now Foundation, to benefit cancer research.

• ENHANCED BOOK: Brooke and Keith originally self-published their journal, selling over 7,000 copies, and stirring a ground swell of support throughout the world. This new edition offers over 80 photos and illustrations throughout, many exclusive to this book. Included here, in a new keepsake trim, are 22 never-before-seen notes, plus an additional 5 that were shown only on TV—along with never-before-seen journal entries and a new epilogue including touching memories by Keith.

• A WONDERFUL CAUSE: The authors' profits from the sale of this book will go to The Cure Starts Now Foundation, a Federal 501(c)(3) non-profit charity organization with twelve chapters across the country, established in honor of Elena. With the help of many friends and family, Brooke & Keith Desserich dedicate their time to educating, aiding and funding the search for a cure for brainstem glioma and other forms of pediatric brain cancer. According to doctors on the medical advisory council of the organization, finding a cure for Elena's type of cancer is the critical first step in winning the battle against all forms of cancer, both pediatric and adult.'

• POWERFUL MESSAGE: NOTES LEFT BEHIND will inspire parents everywhere to put down their Blackberries, turn off the TV, leave the laundry to be done another day and become completely present, making more time in their lives to spend with their sons and daughters.

• PAY IT FORWARD: The Desserichs are a shining example of the power of human resiliency. They experienced a great tragedy when they lost their young daughter, but they chose not to lose themselves in their grief. They chose to dedicate their lives to finding a cure. And they chose to make a difference.

• ELENA'S BLUEBERRY PIE: Inspired by her message, Graeter's Ice Cream (a national chain headquartered in Cincinnati, and an "Oprah" and "Fox and Friends" ‘favorite'), decided to create a flavor called "Elena's Blueberry Pie," with the proceeds to benefit The Cure Starts Now Foundation. In the first week of its release it sold out four times, creating huge public demand. By the end of 2010, the ice cream will also be carried in all of Kroger's stores nationwide.

www.NotesLeftBehind.com

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