Through Fire and Rain: Surviving the Impossible with Love, Music, and Precision Medicine

*100% of the profits of Through Fire and Rain go to www.TheBungalow.org*In 2012, MaryAnn Anselmo was at the height of her career, headlining at Chico’s House of Jazz—a premiere venue in New Jersey for jazz singers. It was a sold-out show. The love of her life and husband, Joe, was by her side when she brought the house down. Her dreams were becoming a reality. Two days later she lost everything including the will to live when their son Dustin died unexpectedly. A month later, MaryAnn and her father, Artie, suffered a devastating car accident. Dad was going to be okay, but she shattered dozens of bones, and had a string of strokes that resulted in a coma. This ultimately left her without the use of her left vocal cord. With Joe’s love and constant support, she worked hard to recover, even starting from scratch with her old vocal coach. MaryAnn was determined to sing again. Then in mid-November of 2013, she was given eighteen months to live, diagnosed with a high-grade glioblastoma—a later stage brain tumor. How is this possible?Why me?Why us?Through Fire and Rain is a story of deep loss and salvation found through love, prayer, and faith in the future of medicine. “Not my girl. Cancer will not win.” Joe uttered as he watched his wife sleep. They had decided to stop chemotherapy; it was going to kill her faster than the tumor. They had made it through the fire, he thought. They had survived so much. This is just a little rain…. And he got to work, studying everything, and calling doctors worldwide to learn more about genomic sequencing, their last hope.

This is a wonderfully inspirational story. Most people who had experienced two very disturbing incidents in their life would think that brain cancer was the ultimate punishment. The family pulled together and triumphed. This story should be required reading for anyone diagnosed with frightening condition. A chapter of advice will be invaluable to a newly diagnosed patient.

A wonderful book about courage, love, and tenacity. This couple went through so many ups and downs and just kept fighting. They are amazing...both of them. Read it and you will be amazed at the strength of the human spirit and how true love and the passion for living can carry one forward.

Through Fire and Rain is one of the most inspirational books I've ever read. A truly amazing story of love, faith, and the art of never giving up. MaryAnn Anselmo is a hero in every way. Everyone should read this book. Her courage is unstoppable and her love for her mother, father, her beautiful son and and her true love Joseph is moving.

The help, guidance and websites they gracefully give to all at the end of the book can save many lives. All that incredible time and research gifted. When I wake up tomorrow I'll see the world differently. My heart just got a reset. "Let's make something of every day we have"

An incredibly gifted soul but one that is determined no matter the set of circumstances. She is a woman of steel, our superwoman. It proves that with courage and belief, we can do anything we set our minds to.

The authors have graciously allowed the reader into their world by sharing their story of strength, courage, resilience, faith, and love. A story of how quickly life can change in ways which many of us could never imagine. Their story made me smile, made me cry, gave me hope.

If you need a good book to help provide the courage you need to tackle a tough time in your life or if you need to be reminded to be grateful and stop “sweating the small stuff”, I recommend reading “through fire and rain”. You will not be disappointed. In fact, you may even look at life a little differently.

Read it in one evening - couldn't put it down. I felt the love flowing from beginning to end! It's much more than a good read. It's a great lesson about faith, courage and perseverance - plus the info about medical procedures is most helpful for the average person. Thank you for sharing your entire path - it brought both tears and smiles. We wish you the best for your continued good health.

Not only was the book inspiring, but it opened up my eyes that you sometimes have to take matters into your own hands and do lots of research. I loved the way the book was written with each chapter from a different perspective on what was happening to Joe and MaryAnn. Truly amazing how they were able to find some good in the "why this all happened"

Having know many close people in my life battle with cancer, this book is truly inspiring. The strength, love and will to keep moving forward is unmatched. It is beautifully written and proves the courage and determination to persevere through the toughest of times.

This book was inspirational of the love two people have for each other. It taught you how strong an humble one is thru tough times an preserves a strong bond when you go thru hurtles in life. Thank you for sharing your life!
I enjoyed it with tears but in the end was a power story.

I couldn't put the book down. Read it in a day. Mary Ann and Joe are an amazing couple. Anyone that has been through a tradgedy needs to read this book. Very inspirational !!!

What an incredible woman. Her resolve and manner of handling anything that came her way was inspiring to read. Difficult to read due to the circumstances of what this wonderful lady and loved ones had to endure, but well worth the read