PRIZES to win! PROMOTIONS
Karen Klak is the mother of four children who became unexpectedly immersed in the medical world when her daughter Haley was a toddler. She hasn't left, spending years as a volunteer sharing her lived experiences in health care with professional and student audiences, and currently working in Patient and Family Centred Care, supporting others as they share their stories. Karen also co-facilitates a grief support group for parents who have lost a child to pediatric cancer or cancer-related illness. She is drawn to deep and meaningful storytelling and is honoured to relay her family's journey in happy faces only. Karen lives in Edmonton, Canada where walking and bike riding in the spectacular river valley bring her joy, and she treasures time spent with her husband and young adult children. Happy Faces Only is her first book.
happy faces only is the story of Haley Klak's life, told gently by her mom. She leaps off the pages of this book and is sure to make a deep impression in the readers' hearts. Haley lived her life fully, guided by kindness and joy. Sue Robins, Author, Bird's Eye View This thoughtfully written book highlights, through Karen's heartfelt and memorable storytelling, the impact of kindness, respect, dignity, humility and trust - the very foundations upon which robust healthcare relationships rest. Karen draws the reader into her daughter Haley's life, and we are privileged to be invited to share in her journey. Throughout the challenges and ups and downs they face, Haley positively shines with her attitude of optimism, and seeing the best in the people caring for her and her family. Professor Catherine Crock AM, Faculty of Health Deakin University, Chair Hush Foundation Although I was absolutely heartbroken as I read, at the same time I felt uplifted and in awe of the strength and courage shown by the whole family. Despite the utter sadness of losing your sweet, precious Haley, her story beautifully illustrates that one does not need to live 80 or 90 years to make an immense impact on this world and those around them. Ann-Marie Sande, Registered Nurse happy faces only is a story of incredible strength, vulnerability, hope, loss, grief, kindness, and love. Karen shares her experiences of loving and losing a child in this powerful narrative. This story invites readers into a world that many are afraid of - talking about illness and the death of a child. Haley's life and legacy live on in those who knew her and in those who have the honor of learning about her life in this book. Tanya Heuver, RN, Assistant Professor, MacEwan University
