Running From Tragedy
"Before Michael even wrote this book, I said THIS IS A STORY THE WORLD NEEDS TO HEAR!"—Christopher McDougall, bestselling author of BORN TO RUN
"A shattering family journey of unimaginable grief, the strength of love, and the healing power of running"—Arvin Brown, Broadway, Television and Film Director
In his emotionally gripping and intensely personal memoir—Running From Tragedy, Michael Salsbury, a lifelong runner takes readers on a marathon run of a lifetime with his poignant journey of tragedy, loss, and triumph that defies every definition of unfathomable odds—that balances on the edge of believability.
Michael and Gabriella Salsbury seemingly had it all. It was a picture-perfect love story worthy of a Hollywood movie. Two childhoods haunted with memories of sadness, poverty and neglect. The young American—an athletic marathon running Colorado mountain boy. A beautiful free-spirited Austrian girl. A whirlwind romance on an exotic Caribbean island. Successful careers. World travels. A story nearly cut short, the lone victims spared in a brutal armed robbery and killing spree. They survived and continued on, creating the perfect life. But nothing in their wildest imaginations could have prepared them for what the future would hold.
The happy tale takes an unexpected and heart-wrenching turn as the couple descends into a decade-long odyssey of unimaginable grief surrounding the loss of not one - but three of their young children to a mysterious unknown killer. It was only years later, that scientific research around the globe eventually yielded answers that would hold worldwide implications—and change the Salsbury family forever.
Throughout the unfolding saga, like therapy, running is always present, offering brief, yet welcome moments of comfort and solace in the darkest of times. Readers are introduced to the world of distance running and the close-knit community of ultrarunning where Salsbury takes refuge, blending it seamlessly into his story—tales of humorous and heroic feats of physical and mental endurance even non-runners will find irresistible.
In the end, it was running, three girls who gave their lives to science, a one in a million discovery, and one boy—a living breathing scientific miracle—that against all odds, brought closure and healed a bruised and battered family.
——Quotes
“In his heartfelt memoir “Running from Tragedy,” Michael Salsbury describes his family’s search for answers following the devastating deaths of their three daughters from a rare, deadly illness. Salsbury and Gabriella fell in love right away when they met at Club Med in the Bahamas. It did not take long for them to become engaged, relocate to Europe—where Gabriella was raised—and get married there. Salsbury, an American, would win Gabriella’s family over and land a job there as well. They were ecstatic to welcome Nicholas into the world, marking the beginning of their dream of a big family. Unfortunately, their excitement at having a daughter as their second child did not last long, as her head growth and amniotic fluid levels became concerning. Additionally, their doctor noted that she did not have her hands in a normal posture, which indicated a potentially concerning condition. She appeared healthy at birth, much to their delight, but as time went on, her bright, cheerful, and attentive look would suddenly disappear, to be replaced by a gloomy, empty, and lifeless stare. Sadly, they were unaware that this would set off a four-year period of intense desperation, confusion, sadness, and emptiness as the situation repeated, leaving them with endless questions and anguish. Beginning on the opening page, we follow two lovers as they go through tremendous adversity that tests their love and fortitude. Bloodthirsty criminals almost kill them, and cruel, uncaring epileptic episodes continually knock on their door, leaving them helpless. Upon hearing of a new pregnancy, they are thrilled, but they also become fearful of what could go wrong. They cannot help but question in their hearts whether there is some hidden reason why God may be punishing them. Heartbreaking revelations, a lot of speculation, a medical oddity, and the threats surrounding a glowing romance are all vividly depicted in this poignant and tragic story. The narrative talks of a source of healing that comes as a surprise to everyone—scientists, researchers from around the world, doctors, friends, and family. The reader is engaged and enthralled as more than ten years of grief hang in the air until something much anticipated is revealed. The life path described in “Running from Tragedy” by Michael Salsbury is something that no ordinary human being can easily endure. One of life’s greatest lessons is taught in this easy-to-read and comprehensive work—you can survive it all. Readers will find themes of resilience, family, and hope within this memoir. ”
“🌟"Running From Tragedy" by Michael Salsbury is a striking memoir that offers an in-depth exploration of grief, resilience, and triumph. Salsbury, an avid marathon runner, intertwines his passion for running with a deeply personal narrative of love and loss. The book details his harrowing journey as he grapples with the devastating loss of three children to a rare disease, a tragedy that tests the limits of his and his Austrian wife’s endurance. 🌟The memoir paints a poignant picture of a fairytale romance turned into a nightmare, as the couple confronts the unimaginable. Despite the profound sorrow, their story is also one of hope and perseverance. Their surviving son emerges as a symbol of scientific progress and the family's undying hope. 🌟Salsbury's narrative is both haunting and heartfelt, infused with self-deprecating humor and occasional moments of levity that provide relief from the weighty subject matter. The memoir is a testament to the strength required to face life’s darkest challenges and highlights the intersection of personal endurance and scientific advancement. 🌟"Running From Tragedy" is a compelling read that showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope in overcoming profound loss. It is a moving tribute to the capacity for recovery and the relentless pursuit of answers amidst adversity. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 📚 ✍️ 😊 💯”
- 368 pages
- Paperback
- 5.5in × 8.5in
- Black & White
- 979-898961423-3