Long time Collegiate High School (Richmond, Va) XC Coach Weldon Bradshaw has been a few more miles then the average coach. MileStat had the pleasure this outdoor season speaking with him and his use of cross country to help him fight his illness. Weldon is one of those individuals that wants to make a difference, all his athletes would tell you this, and to do just that he wrote a book of which the proceeds go back to support research and aid. Here is a synopsis of his story, biography, and how to check out the book.
DATE: January 2014
NEWS (Release Immediately)
CONTACT: Tim Hagood, Publicist 804.644.3090; FAX 804.644.3092
E-mail brandylanepr@gmail.com
The Power of a Promise
A Lifelong Coach and Mentor’s Struggle to Survive
Brandylane Publishers, Inc. has announced the publication of My Dance with Grace: Reflections on Death and Life by Weldon Bradshaw, scheduled for release this winter.
Weldon Bradshaw was diagnosed with a severe autoimmune disease of the liver in 2009. In the face of this news, Bradshaw made a promise to his family: he would be around to dance with his granddaughter, Grace, at her wedding. In 2012, his condition took a severe turn. Doctors told him that without a transplant, he would be dead in a week. His chances of keeping his promise to his family seemed minute—odds that make his story even more inspiring.
My Dance with Grace explores how Bradshaw overcame adversity and lived to fulfill his promise. It is the story of a race against time and of the will that persevered against immense challenges. Bradshaw’s spirit is strong, and the last minute transplant that saved his life was miraculous. It is this blend of indomitability and wonder that make this book so compelling.
Dr. Michael Rao, president of Virginia Commonwealth University, says of My Dance with Grace: “…When we talk about our commitment to human health and to catalyzing the human experience, it is with people like Weldon Bradshaw in mind.”
Weldon Bradshaw was born in Norfolk, Virginia in 1948 and has lived in Richmond, Virginia for nearly fifty years. He has worked at the Collegiate School in Richmond for over forty years as a teacher, administrator, and coach of cross-country and track. His experiences as an athlete were essential to him when he was struggling with his illness, and are an apt metaphor for the race he ran against death in this story. Weldon continues to teach, write and enjoys spending time with his four adult children and his grandchildren.
Brandylane Publishers, Inc. is an independent press located in Richmond, Virginia that has published books since 1985.
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My Dance with Grace (softcover, $15 retail) will be available from fine booksellers, amazon.com, and bn.com in February. The book can be preordered from the publisher at brandylanepublishers.com.