Pam Lacko to Speak at the Simsbury Public Library Aug. 30

Derived from a blog written during her battle against cancer, Simsbury resident Pam Lacko’s "Laughing in the Face of Cancer" describes in vivid detail and with a large dose of humor the ways in which its author survived and thrived after her diagnosis of ovarian cancer at age 47 and her double mastectomy.

Lacko will be speaking at the on August 30 from 7 to 8 p.m.

Bernie Siegel, M.D., author of of "Faith Hope & Healing" and "A Book of Miracles," had this to say about the book: “I have learned from my experience that survival behavior and self-induced healing can be of great assistance to anyone coping with cancer. Pam Lacko’s experience, as recorded in "Laughing in the Face of Cancer," says it all. The tips at the conclusion of her book contain the wisdom survivors need to know. Studies show that cancer patients who laugh live longer. It is all scientific and related to our body chemistry. When you love and laugh in the face of cancer, your body gets a live message and does all it can to help you survive. So read on, learn from a role model, and behave as if you are a survivor and a thriver too.”

And from Dr. Lorence Gutterman, oncologist, hematologist and author of "Small Circles of Time" — “"Laughing in the Face of Cancer" by Pam Lacko is an engaging memoir of her experiences with cancer. She welcomes all to share her journey, one that teaches as well as gives us pause to admire her courage and creativity. Through unexpected vignettes that resonate with poignant humor, the author shows us the comedy in what life has handed her. I laughed with her. A refreshing read.”

Lacko, who runs a computer-consulting business, is married and has two children, and two golden retrievers. She organized the annual “Women Only, Bad Golfing Encouraged” golf tournament benefiting the American Cancer Society. She was recently given the Simsbury Hometown Hero award in May for her work to improve the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce’s Job Shadow Day. She created a website-based solution to mechanize the job of matching students with their job shadow mentors.

“I do what I do because I love doing it … it is nothing out of the ordinary. I think volunteering is something we should all do,” said Lacko at the time, who as a private percussion instructor also helps out with the jazz club after school.

Lacko also volunteers at , and has been a leading advocate for enlarging the parking lot around for the safety of the children, parents and residents.

This is Lacko's first book. You can order a copy online at www.laughinginthefaceofcancer.com.

The program is free of charge, and open to the public. Registration is requested. To register or for more information, visit the library’s web site at www.simsburylibrary.info or call the library at 860-658-7663. The presentation will be followed by a book signing and sale.