Maribeth R. Ditmars

When Maribeth's ten-year-old son, Chris, was diagnosed with leukemia her life changed forever. She began journaling, and that journal eventually became her first book, "Christopher's Journey"(available on Kindle). Chris lost his battle with cancer at the age of 14, but not before inspiring the family with his faith and his sense of humor.

Through journal entries and narrative, the author shares the medical challenges, spiritual issues, financial concerns, and the emotional impact of the devastating illness upon the Ditmars' marriage and Chris's siblings. Anyone touched by pediatric cancer will find hope and peace in Chris's story.

Maribeth's second book, "The Bald-Headed Princess, Cancer, Chemo, and Courage" was written specifically for children affected by cancer. At the time, Maribeth was a fourth-grade teacher and one of her students was diagnosed with cancer. This middle reader chapter book is the story of eleven-year-old Isabel who must grapple with a life-threatening diagnosis, hair-loss, and missing her friends. In the story, Isabel pulls some of the same pranks on hospital staff that Chris once did.

"I love hearing from young cancer patients who tell me that the story inspired them," Maribeth says. She also enjoys speaking and educating others about childhood cancer.

Maribeth's new book "Dancing In The Minefields" was just released in May of 2020! It is a faith-based book about the family's walk with the Lord through addiction and the loss of their second son in a tragic accident. True to form, Maribeth has sprinkled this book with humorous anecdotes along with the gut-wrenching losses.

Using her riveting story of loss and addiction, Maribeth regularly speaks to Christian audiences about finding hope in adversity. She feels called to help families who have endured tragedy draw closer to God. https://maribethditmars.com/speaking/

Maribeth lives in Sarasota, Florida with her husband Rob. They enjoy spending time with their daughter and grandchildren. Maribeth also enjoys drawing and doing caricature work. She is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys jogging, kayaking, and long walks in the woods with her dog Marley.