When One Door Closes: A Teen's Inspiring Journey and Living Legacy - Tapa dura

When One Door Closes shows us the powerful influence one person can unleash in the face of tragedy. A teenage girl fighting osteogenic sarcoma, amputation of her leg and partial loss of lung defines herself by who she is and the choices she makes, not by her illness. In their own words, family, friends, medical experts, caregivers and a rock star tell us how Alexandra (Alex) Graham opened doors and made a difference in their lives. Even individuals who never met Alex share how their lives have taken on new meaning because of Alex's wish and legacy. This factual account will bring understanding and perspective to those directly or indirectly facing a life-threatening illness particularly in cases where the patient is a teenager.

Susie and Bill Graham were born and raised in Michigan. They met while attending Eastern Michigan University. After their first date, Bill told Susie that she was the one, and recently they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Susie and Bill have three children, David, Robbie and Alexandra. The Grahams have called West Bloomfield their home for 30 years. Bill recently retired from his computer leasing company and Susie from her stationery and card shop. Both are very active in the community including volunteer and fundraising work to benefit charitable organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan. In 2003 the Grahams were honored with the State of Michigan Volunteer of the Year Award, and have designated their income from When One Door Closes for making the wishes of children facing life-threatening illnesses come true. Supporting Susie and Bill in their efforts to inspire and inform through Alex's story is H. Thomas Saylor. Mr. Saylor is also a Michigan resident and a graduate of Wayne State University. He has spent the majority of his career writing, producing and managing corporate communications for fortune 500 companies including 18 years as a public relations executive for a major automotive company. Since retiring from corporate life, H. Thomas Saylor spends his time as an independent business communications consultant and writer. His first non-corporate book was published in 2005. He is completing a novel scheduled for publication in 2009. He makes his home with his wife and four children in Northville, Michigan.