A Valiant Battle

In this inspiring and insightful memoir, Wendel Miser invites you to witness his sudden spiral into mental illness, and his courageous, faithful ascent into a fulfilling and joyous life.

He composed A Valiant Battle: A Journey with Schizophrenia with his brother, James S. Miser, M.D., whose collaboration exemplifies the strong family bonds that lifted Wendel from the depths of despair to many glorious moments that include performing with the National Men's Chorus at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Wendel especially celebrates his wife, Mary, who provides extraordinary dedication, care, and patience over many decades of his healing journey.  

Wendel also credits his psychiatrist, Dr. John Maloney, with providing long-term treatments that enabled him to thrive in a successful career as a contract project officer at the United States Environmental Protection Agency in metropolitan Washington, D.C.

Throughout the book, you'll read how Wendel's strong Christian faith fuels his mental, physical, and spiritual power to persevere against the odds.

Wendel penned this memoir with the intention of helping readers better understand the realities of mental illness, and to show that those with diagnoses can heal and enjoy fulfilling lives that make positive contributions to the world.

A Valiant Battle: A Journey with Schizophrenia will touch your heart and inspire you with the power of faith, family, and internal fortitude to survive and thrive through life's toughest battles. 

I grew up in the same home in New England with my brother Jim. I was, however, preoccupied with my twin brother, Andy, in our formative years and through high school. It was in high school that I met my wife, Mary, marrying her in September 1972, after finishing at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa in June. I received a Master of Science degree from the University of Illinois in 1975, after studying Zoology and Limnology. After graduate school, I worked with Mary's father in his painting business before accepting a position in the Office of Solid Waste at the United States Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C. in 1977. I began with their program of pesticide disposal for a short time and then became a project officer, managing the program side for the Agency's contract office. Working with the contract officer, I helped the staff with contract pre-award and post-award requirements for their work. In that capacity, I was involved for 23 years in the development of a nationwide hazardous waste management program. Subsequently, I moved to the Office's municipal waste program that was promoting recycling and sustainability programs at the time. While not at work during the latter half of my career, I became interested in singing. For the better part of 20 years, I was involved with the New Dominion Chorale and the National Men's Chorus in the Washington, D.C. area. The New Dominion Chorale featured works by the Great Masters, while the National Men's Chorus showcased works specially arranged by the music director for the Chorus. Memorable concerts were given at the National Cathedral and the Kennedy Center as well as the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. For six years, I served on the Board of Directors of the National Men's Chorus, assisting with grant activities.I live with my wife in Arlington, Virginia with our two cats, Linus and Madeleine. We attend church regularly in Falls Church, Virginia. I have kept a faith-based journal for 38 years. In overcoming schizophrenia and finding joy, I have entered into full participation in life.

I grew up on the East Coast of the United States with my father, mother, two younger twin brothers, and a younger sister, spending the majority of time in New England. My father was a mathematician with a PhD in this field, and he was an operations research and systems analysis professional. My mother had a Master of Science degree in Child Development; she spent most of our formative years caring for us as we grew and developed. We were a normal family and could not know what was to befall Wendel at the age of 28 years.I am a Pediatric Hematologist and Oncologist and have taken care of children with cancer and blood diseases for almost 50 years. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, in 1969, majoring in Religion. While there I also was the director of the college's acapella singing group. In the summers during high school and college, I taught tennis to children. Although I intended to be a mathematician, I decided to spend my life working with children and entered Dartmouth Medical School with the intention to be a pediatrician. I subsequently transferred to the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington where I received a Doctor of Medicine in 1973 and trained in Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology and Oncology. At the beginning of my experience caring for children with cancer, I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of my life. This has been an important relationship for me since that time. I have worked as a Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist at Ohio State University, the National Institutes of Health, Mayo Clinic, the University of Washington, where I was granted the position of Professor of Pediatrics, and City of Hope National Medical Center, where I was Chairman of Pediatrics. I also served as President and Chief Medical Officer at City of Hope National Medical Center as it developed a comprehensive cancer center. I have authored more than 100 manuscripts and book chapters. I worked as medical director and served as Chairman of the American Board of Directors of a child rescue organization-Christian Salvation Service, in Taipei, Taiwan, serving children and women. During this time, I was also Chair Professor of Pediatrics at Taipei Medical University where I was challenged to develop a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology program for the University. I also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of a Christian High School in southern California and currently serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors of a nonprofit organization supporting children with cancer and their families. My wife Angela and I have adopted 10 children, many with significant challenges. I live in Wales with my wife and five of the children. I enjoy walking, reading, playing tennis, and singing. I attend church with my wife in the Church of Wales. The mission of my life has been to serve children, both personally and professionally, especially those with significant challenges in their lives.I have been close to my brother, Wendel, in his journey with schizophrenia and shared the initial horror, the subsequent anxiety of the ups and downs of his experience, and now the joy of his overcoming. It has been a privilege to travel his journey and to write this book with him.

Elizabeth Ann Atkins is a best-selling author, award-winning TV host, actress, and journalist who teaches how to unlock one's infinite potential to live and love in peace and purpose. Elizabeth's and sister Catherine M. Greenspan created Two Sisters Writing & Publishing, which has written and published 32 memoirs, novels, business books, poetry books, and journals since its creation in 2016.The company also hosts monthly writing contests and the Two Sisters Writing Club, and showcases their blog, A Tale of Two Sisters. Elizabeth and Catherine have written and published dozens of books, including their mother's book, The Triumph of Rosemary: A Memoir, by Judge Marylin E. Atkins. Their mother wrote the book herself, chronicling her controversial, interracial marriage to former Roman Catholic Priest Thomas Lee Atkins. Elizabeth has a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University and a bachelor's degree in English Literature from the University of Michigan.She has been a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, NPR, and many other programs. As America's Book Coach, she helps aspiring authors achieve their dreams of becoming published authors.The bestselling author of 40 books, Elizabeth also co-hosts MI Healthy Mind, a weekly TV show aiming to shatter the stigma of mental illness, addiction, and abuse. Elizabeth's new book, The Biss Tribe: Activating Your Goddess Power, inspired her popular podcast/YouTube show, The Goddess Power Show.She is also a certified meditation teacher and wellness advocate.