Every parent’s desire is for their child to live a happy and healthy life, free of as many complications as possible. Coral Springs mother of five, Destiny Haggett, is no different. Her 20-year-old son, Chansen Savakinus, is now battling his third life-threatening illness, a previously unknown variant of liver cancer. How Destiny and her family have dealt with these challenges is the subject of her new memoir, Gifts Along the Broken Path, which will have its official book launch on Tuesday, September 14, from 5 to 7 pm, at Deja Blue Restaurant, 7805 North University Drive in Parkland.
Destiny is grateful for so much in her life—a successful career as a model, public speaker and manager of a private 962-seat live entertainment venue; a happy marriage to Bill Haggett, the general manager of the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, and now the author of an inspirational memoir. “We have had a miraculous life in many ways, but also numerous obstacles to overcome,” she says. Destiny and Chansen began their medical challenges before he was even born! They both survived a rare splenic artery aneurysm rupture during pregnancy.
“Chansen battled Leukemia twice while growing up, enduring seven years of treatment, before being stricken by cancer again last May.” Currently in the middle of an eight week cycle of a very intense chemotherapy treatment, the latest cancer tumors that Chancen has been saddled with have proven be very rare. Because they cannot remove the tumors until the chemo has shrunk them, doctors are eager to examine them closely and hopefully learn from this unique form in hopes of helping others. Destiny says, “Scientists are eager to study these tumors because they feel they may hold the key to some other types of cancers.“
While written before the latest diagnosis, Gifts Along the Broken Path is a tale of hope and grace that is sure to inspire anyone that reads it, particularly those who are trying to overcome similar hurdles in their lives. All copies of the book sold through September 23 will be limited and autographed first edition copies will contain a PDF version to be read on electronic devices. Books can be purchased online www.haggetthouse.com.
The book launch on September 14 will include a Meet & Greet with the Author, book signing, and raffle of a stunning painting from artist Nava Lundy.
“I hope everyone will join us at my official book launch, and I want to give special thanks to my dear friends Catherine Walker, Jennifer Caronna, and Sabrina Cozzolino for their ongoing support in making this happen,” says Haggett.
Please join Destiny and her friends on Tuesday, September 14, from 5 to 7 pm, at Deja Blue Restaurant, 7805 North University Drive in Parkland.
