BUZZ: Human resources manager-turned-author pens a ‘gem’ in memory of her sister-in-law

Michele Rodger is a mother of two and an HR manager for TD Bank. She travels over 500 miles a week. Despite her busy schedule, a sudden tragedy compelled Rodger to write. Her desire was to tell the story of her sister-in-law, Carole Rodger, who in 2008 lost her battle with breast cancer.

“When she passed away at 42 with breast cancer, it had a profound effect on me,” said Rodger. “There was no way I’d allowed her sprit to leave us.” Rodger recalls both the triumphs and tragedies of her sister-in-law’s optimistic soul in Carole’s Story…A Scottish Gem.

“I wanted to write about her zest for life,” said Rodger. “Some people write poems. I decided to write book about her life. The tricky part is I had never written a book.” Her lack of experience didn’t deter Rodger from trying. She bought a couple of books about writing, which she says helped give her structure.

Carole, who grew up in Scotland, was one of five siblings. At 17, she started her own family. She got married and had two children. Years later, Carole found out that her husband had been cheating on her, and one of her greatest fear, being part of a broken home, was coming to fruition. “The lady he was having an affair with came to her front door,” said Rodger.

Six months after the end of her marriage, Carole was showering and noticed a small lump on her breast. “When she first found it, the doctor said it was small. It was size of pinhead.” However, three months later, the lump grew bigger and doctors eventually had to remove her left breast.

After the surgery, life improved for Carole. She was cancer free for five years, remarried and moved to the states. “She was always saying that her soul mate was out there,” said Rodger. Carole met her husband on a blind date.

The cancer eventually returned and in 2008, it took her life. Throughout her painful ordeal, Carole’s sense of humor and love for living remained intact. “She always had this sense of hope. So did I,” said Rodger. “She did not allow the disease to stop her. She would go skiing. It didn’t stop her from living life.”

Soon after Carole’s death, Rodger went to work on the book, describing the process as a difficult one. “It was very up and down. But all through it, (Carole) was my rock. She was here the whole time. I’m sure of it. When I got frustrated, Carole gave me a break.”

The writing process took a year for Rodger, who would often work on the book once she put her children to sleep. Her strong-willed nature allowed Rodger to finish the book.

“I would see these people at book clubs and the first question they asked was, ‘How’d you find time to write a book? I can’t even find an hour for myself,’” she recalled. I was so determined to do it.”

When released in 2010, the book quickly received attention from both Rodger’s peers and the press. She was featured on New Jersey cable show “One-on-One,” hosted by Steve Abudato. TD Bank, where Rodger works, also sponsored the book.

Although her work has already touched many readers, Rodger is still working to get her story read by more people. “We also want to make it into a movie,” said Rodger who is currently writing the screenplay for a short film.

“Someone told me’ I don’t usually read, but I missed my stop on the subway because I got so involved in the book.’ That’s the best praise I can get,” said Rodger.

To order a copy of the book and receive more information on breast cancer, Carole, visit www.ascottishgem.com.