The individuals featured in this book outran the doubt of their nay-sayers, their own fears, and failure itself.  They were able to surrender their security because of an inner drive that will not take no for an answer.  At the same time, they opened their hearts and minds to the gift of others’ talents, recognizing none of us truly finds success by our sole efforts. In the words of Thomas Edison when asked about how he invented the light bulb, “I simply ran out of ways it wouldn’t work.”

I am greatly honored to be listed among the people whose stories of perseverance appear in this book.

Noreen Ayres