I was incredibly moved by this story. It made me go home and hug my kids. Although I cried several times during the reading, I never wanted to stop. I was in awe of Chris’ spirituality, acceptance, and peace. Christopher’s Journey is a beautiful book.

Susan Burns, Editor
Sarasota Magazine

If there is anything positive that can come out of a tragedy this book is it. The author is an inspiration to the resilience of the human spirit, and its never-ending search for hope and healing. Walk with her as she takes you by the hand and leads you through the depths of hell. On your journey back, discover the true meaning of love and acceptance. This book is a reading must for clinicians and all readers who experience the hopelessness of loss.

Ellen Marcantano, MSW, LCSW

Approximately 12,000 children a year are diagnosed with cancer. Christopher’s Journey gives voice to those children’s physical and emotional struggles endured during treatment. This book will be a valuable tool for anyone who is touched by a child’s courageous fight against cancer.

Jerry Barbosa, M.D., Medical Director
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at All Children’s Hospital
St. Petersburg, Florida

Christopher’s Journey is a poignant look at a family’s struggle with the illness and death of their son. Christopher’s mom shares the ups and downs Chris and the family went through with an openness rarely seen. Reading this book provides insight into a family’s life devastated by a chronic and eventually terminal illness. Professionals reading this book will benefit from learning how their attitudes and actions impact families, both positively and negatively. Families going through a similar plight will find help and humor in this book. Although the ending is sad, the courage of the patient and the family is inspiring. This is a must read for anyone desiring a look into the family life of a pediatric cancer patient.

Sandy Macomber, MSW
Children’s Program Coordinator
Hospice of Southwest Florida

In a daily fight for survival spanning four years and countless hospitalizations, Christopher Ditmars permanently impacted the lives of those he encountered—friends, family acquaintances, and even strangers. With wit and an eye for detail, his mother, captured the essence of this struggle, letting us share in both the tears of sorrow and joy. Through his mother’s eyes, Chris’ real life experiences during this journey show us how we should all live each day to its fullest. In the end, we all feel lucky to have met this courageous and fun-loving young man.

Donna Young, House Director
Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay, Inc.

Maribeth Ditmars writes with a special sense of humor so reminiscent of Chris. Her understanding of the critical need for laughter during such difficult times is a valuable message to all who read her words. Chris’ story as told from a mother’s perspective will be so helpful to others as they journey through treatment, recovery, and sometimes loss.

Anna Maria Gentile, Executive Director
Suncoast Chapter, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

I couldn’t put this book down! I laughed and I cried. Knowing Chris and his family, and their sense of humor; it was no surprise that I found this story captivating. I also learned a great deal about childhood cancer issues. I cannot begin to describe the many ways that this book touched me. All along we kept praying for a miracle, then I realized that Chris was the miracle. This story can only help others in truly understanding the impact of losing a child to cancer.

Dr. Marilyn Highland,Principal
Bay Haven School of Basics Plus

Christopher’s Journey is an intimate, brave, retelling of how a family’s life changes forever when a child is diagnosed with cancer. It is also a look into the microcosm of a children’s hospital oncology unit.

Spanning four years of life threatening events, and the accompanying numbing stress, it is, above all, a testimonial to the importance of never forgetting to live, laugh, and express love.

Lynda Walker, LCSW
Pediatric Oncology Social Worker

Ride with the Ditmars family on the roller coaster of chemotherapy. Experience the hopes, fears, joys, sorrows, and the small doses of fun and mayhem that helped to contribute to Chris’ positive attitude. This book is a testimony to the powerful love between a parent and her child. Any parent who has suffered the loss of a child will identify with Christopher’s Journey, and those who haven’t will certainly pause to think about the meaning of life. I pray that one day we will be able to conquer the dreaded disease of cancer.

Fr. Gerry Finegan, Pastor
Church of The Incarnation
Sarasota, Florida