Lessons in Loss and Living: Hope and Guidance for Confronting Serious Illness and Grief

"Michele Reiss reminds us that it should not take a life-threatening illness, or loss, or trauma to awaken us to living each day with joy, blessings, passion, and purpose. This book, with its profound lessons, is a gift." - Ann Webster, Ph.D., Benson Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine, Harvard Medical School

"In reading Lessons in Loss and Living, I felt that I was listening to a wise, trusted friend. Give yourself the gift of this necessary read, and then give it to a friend." - Lulu Orr, Executive Director, Good Grief Center

Dr. Michele Reiss, an expert in the field of death and dying, specializes in helping clients cope with life-threatening illnesses and helping their families through the grieving process. A highly respected therapist, she counseled Randy Pausch, author of The Last Lecture, and his wife, Jai, as Randy was dying of pancreatic cancer.

Now Dr. Reiss provides comfort and counsel for readers who are coping with the challenges of serious illness or grief. Through real-life examples of people who have dealt with cancer and other illnesses, she has given us a book about hope and the art of living and loving well, despite significant adversity.

This beautifully written, inspiring book reminds the rest of us that time is precious, and that we should live our lives fully, generously, and with joy.

"Sooner or later, either you or someone you love will need this splendid book by Dr. Michele Reiss. It is one of the best guides I know in dealing with serious illness and grief." - Larry Dossey, M.D., author of Healing Words and The Power of Premonitions

"Dr. Michele Reiss uses real-life examples about individuals facing adversity that will warm your heart and show you that anyone can develop the strength and courage they need to work through life's most difficult challenges." - Julie Fleshman, J.D., M.B.A., President and CEO, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

"Dr. Reiss has masterfully woven the wisdom gained over many years of providing professional therapy with personal stories of courage in the face of life-changing circumstances to create this inspiring, must-have book filled with both practical advice and compassionate understanding. This book is about living every minute well." - Michele Neff Hernandez, Executive Director, Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation

"As the spouse of a cancer survivor, and former surgeon to Randy Pausch, I found that Lessons in Loss and Living resonated in a way that few other books have. This should be required reading for all medical students as part of their training-and then they should be required to re-read it after a few years of practice. I think that I am a better doctor, husband, father, and friend after contemplating this book, which touches on fundamental truths in the human experience for us all." - Herbert J. Zeh III, M.D.; Co-Director, UPCI GI Oncology Program; Co-Director, UPMC Pancreatic Cancer Center; Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology

Dr. Michele Reiss is the Assistant Program Director and Director of Behavioral Medicine for the UPMC St. Margaret Family Medicine Residency Program in Pittsburgh, PA. She also maintains a private psychotherapy practive in Pittsburgh. She is also Assistant Professor for both the University of Pittsburgh's School of Medicine/Family Medicine Department, and the Graduate School of Nursing/Community and Mental Health Dept. Her practice focuses on work with patients struggling with life threatening illnesses, and those coping with loss or grief issues. She worked with Randy and Jai Pausch as they dealt with his illness.