Julie B. Hughes

I wrote this book for you, families caught in the tangle of cancer. Please know you are not alone. I hope our family’s story and the suggestions contained within this book offer you support and a light in the darkness.NOW AVAILABLE
For each book sold, I will donate to the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation.


What people are saying:

“Cancer – a real kick in the balls that bruises many. Some of us go toe-to-toe with rogue cells in our bodies. Others face cancer from the sidelines, as cheerleaders and support systems for loved ones standing against the disease. In A Real Ballbuster, Julie gifts us a spouse’s perspective, including thinking-made-visible, the voice of judgemental Aunt Phoebe, and a mother’s desire to get everyone to the cure line with minimal scarring. Rich in awareness and resilience, the Hughes family story is an inspiration.”—Gail Boenning, Author of POISE: Facing Cancer with Grace and Resilience

“When my children were very small and my husband was going through treatment for testicular cancer, I always said, “It is not something you want to sign up for, but I can tell you this: You can get through it.” Julie’s story is a testament to ‘getting through it.’ This book expertly chronicles her family’s unexpected medical reality and its uncertain future as they travel together through Jeff’s cancer treatments. The upheaval is enormous. The love is forever.”—Katy Dalgleish, Author of Dear Democract, You Need us for Your Success. Sincerely, Public Schools

“As a mom diagnosed with cancer, I struggled with how to speak with my children while I was coping with my own fears of dying. One night snuggled up next to my 11-year-old, helping him fall asleep, he whispered, ‘Don’t leave me, Mom.’ I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t want to lie to him or make promises I couldn’t keep. I gazed out at the stars and God put these words in my mouth: ‘I am going to do everything I can to stay.’ If someone you know is facing cancer, gift them this book. I wish I’d had it.”
—Annie Parnell, Mom, Cancer-survivor, Fiction Author

“Julie, a multitasking wife, mother, and author, confronts an unexpected challenge when her husband battles testicular cancer. This poignant memoir unravels the complexities of facing an illness as a family, skillfully addressing the impact on their two young children. Family love and the triumph of hope is what Julie’s inspiring book is all about. It is a testament to the resilience in the face of a Real Ballbuster!”—Terri Tomoff, author of The Focused Fight: A Childhood Cancer Journey: From Mayhem to Miracles

"Ask for and accept help" might be the most important takeaway from Julie Hughes' new hybrid memoir A Real Ballbuster, Untangling Testicular Cancer Together.
This brave and inspirational work never winces or allows the author or readers to close their eyes. Look cancer in the face and tackle it together is what is prescribed. Hughes' book about her husband's and her family's battle with cancer is unsparing in its honesty, but it is also a gentle book that calls on the restorative powers of the natural world and the strength that lies within each of us. Largely prose, this hybrid memoir also features poetry and a shout out, "It's Your Move" to her YouTube channel, at the end of each chapter. A beautiful book helpful to anyone dealing with a crisis or serious illness."
—Nancy Dafoe, author of fourteen books, including Unstuck in Time and Socrates is Dead Again

“Julie shares her heartfelt emotions and challenges of being thrust into a caregiving role for her husband Jeff’s battle with his recurrence of testicular cancer. In addition to raising two children and home responsibilities, Julie shares her journey in a hopeful way and offers encouragement for other caregivers facing a cancer crisis in their lives. Julie emphatically reminds us we are not alone.”—Bill Tomoff, Father of 3x childhood cancer survivor, and passionate cancer support advocate.

"It's Your Move" Channel:This is a companion resource to my memoir A Real Ballbuster: Untangling Testicular Cancer Together.At the end of each chapter, I've included an 'It's Your Move' section with some of my favorite exercises and stretches for staying active during difficult times.Feel free to try out the movements, taking what feels helpful and leaving the rest behind.
The key is keeping our bodies moving as an act of self-care.
These exercises provided me with a positive outlet when I needed it most. I hope they can do the same for you.Take good care,
Julie B.

More from Julie B. Hughes

About

Imagine the courage it takes to run a marathon—and the courage it takes to write about it.Julie B. Hughes personifies courage. She’s not just a marathoner and author, she’s a mother and a physical therapist. Julie isn’t daunted by anything, whether it’s writing about her challenging childhood, her running, or her family’s journey through two cancer diagnoses. She’s bold, forthright, and generous with the lessons she’s learned and the strength she’s uncovered.Julie founded the Run to Write Club to bring together her dual passions for movement and writing within a supportive community. She encourages members to tackle their challenges one step and one word at a time, believing in the therapeutic nature of storytelling. Her books and poetry inspire readers to approach life’s difficulties with a spirit of curiosity, courage, and faith.Julie resides in Central New York with her husband and two children. To contact Julie for speaking engagements or Move to Write workshops, please send an email to runtowritepoetry@gmail.com.Follow Julie on Facebook @juliebhughes, on YouTube It’s Your Move @juliebhughes and on Instagram @runtowritejulie. Julie’s books are available on Amazon.com.

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