Writings of late student tell a ‘story of hope’
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The Sun Will Shine, a book chronicling Laura Cotesta’s decade-long battle with a rare spinal cord tumour, will be released Feb. 18 by StoriaBooks.
StoriaBooks is a new imprint of Latitude 46 Publishing, dedicated to telling community stories and personal histories.
The book is comprised of Cotesta’s writings taken from personal journals, essays, and school assignments. In The Sun Will Shine, the author reflects on her illness, reaching the conclusion that through adversity one can embrace both life and death, and find peace.
Proceeds of the sale of books will go to support pediatric cancer care in Northern Ontario.
Cotesta was born in Sudbury on Dec. 30, 1978. At age eight, she was diagnosed with an ependymoma spinal cord tumour. Despite additional tumours, along with repeated surgeries and ongoing treatment, Laura was determined to live a normal life.
Sadly she passed away July 22, 1997, shortly after her high school graduation.
More than 20 years later, she continues to inspire a community. Lockerby Composite School’s annual cancer drive is named after her. To date, the Kids Caring for Kids Remembering Laura Cotesta Cancer Drive has raised close to $1 million to support pediatric cancer care in Northern Ontario.
“Laura recorded her thoughts, observations and prayers since she was old enough to string sentences together,” editor Laura Stradiotto said in a release. “In The Sun Will Shine, Laura takes the reader through her childhood and then illness, often revisiting experiences with new insight. Like most youth she struggled to define herself and find her own place in this world.”
Along the way, “she developed incredible wisdom, facing the most challenging moments with dignity and grace,” notes Stradiotto.
Pina Cotesta hopes her daughter’s story will resonate with readers, inspire and encourage them to overcome adversity in their own lives.
“This is a story of hope and determination,” she said. “It was a privilege to embark on this life-changing opportunity, of sharing the lessons my daughter taught me through our journey together.”
The Sun Will Shine was launched at a private event last week in Sudbury with family and friends.
Books are available now online through Latitude 46 Publishing at in person at the Northern Cancer Foundation. Books will be available Feb. 18 online at Chapters and Amazon and in select stores across the country.
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