Author Speaking at Luncheon to Benefit Cancer Organization

Online, November 8, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Maggie Barbieri, author of a popular mystery series, will speak at a benefit luncheon on Friday, Dec. 3rd, from 12 noon - 3 pm at The Travelers Rest, Route 100, Ossining, NY. Proceeds from the event will benefit Support Connection, Inc., a Yorktown-based not-for-profit organization that provides free, confidential support services for people affected by breast and ovarian cancer.

Maggie Barbieri, a Westchester County resident, is the daughter of a retired New York City police officer and a life-long Nancy Drew fan, so mystery writing has been in her blood since she was a child. She is currently a freelance writer and textbook editor, in addition to being the author of the Murder 101 series which stars college professor Alison Bergeron and her New York City Detective boyfriend, Bobby Crawford. "Third Degree," the fifth installment in the series, was published in November 2010.

Ms. Barbieri will talk about: "Living Your Best Life in the Face of Life's Obstacles." In 2005, on the same day, Maggie received both the best news and the worst news someone can receive: She was offered a two-book deal to write a mystery series and was diagnosed with Stage III melanoma. During the past five years in which she had surgery, twenty doses of radiation, and five different cancer treatments, she has made it her goal to live as normal a life as she could in the face of this devastating obstacle. She says: "Writing, literally and figuratively, saved my life. By writing about death, and pursuing my dream conceived long ago when I was reading my Nancy Drew books, I was able to transcend the negativity that a cancer diagnosis can bring. Not content to be put into the role of 'patient,' I instead took on the role of 'writer.' Five years and five books later, I am here to tell my story." With 5 popular novels under her belt, Maggie is an entertaining & insightful speaker. Learn more about her at www.maggiebarbieri.com.

The event will feature a delicious lunch courtesy of The Travelers Rest restaurant (www.thetravelersrest.com.) There will also be a silent auction and raffles, as well as book sales and signings by the author. Cost is $50 per person and reservations are required. To reserve, call Support Connection at 914-962-6402.

SUPPORT CONNECTION, INC. is a 501 (C) (3) not-for-profit organization that provides free, confidential support services and programs to people affected by breast and ovarian cancer. Founded in 1996, Support Connection is based in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., but through their toll-free hotline and website they serve people throughout the country. With Support Connection, those living with breast and ovarian cancer don't have to face it alone. To learn more, call 914-962-6402 (toll-free: 800-532-4290) or visit www.supportconnection.org.