"The measure of your life will be the measure of your courage."

Over the past three years Matthew Kelly has lost three people very close to him to cancer. Most recently, Matthew's father died in August 2003 after a two-year struggle with cancer. During his father's illness, Matthew would jot down different inspirational quotes on note cards and send them down to his father in Australia. His father would often comment on how these bit-sized portions of inspiration brought a simple focus and joy to his struggle.

This is the origin of The Book of Courage. After his father's death, Matthew decided to pull all the quotes together and publish them as a book, accompanied by an essay explaining the role of courage in our lives… The Book of Courage.

Dedicated to his father, Mr. Bernard Kelly, and his friends Jim Willig and Karen Berry(all of whom died of cancer), The Book of Courage is a perfect companion for all those who are sick and struggling… but it also a worthy companion for anyone who is trying to move their life to the next level. We could all use a little more courage!

Each copy of The Book of Courage contains a coupon which can be mailed to Courage for Cancer with the name and address of someone you know who is suffering from cancer. Courage for Cancer will then forward a complimentary copy of the book to the person you nominate, along with a letter from Matthew encouraging them in their struggle.

Funding for Courage for Cancer was originally provided by a series of financial gifts made to TMKF in memory of Matthew's father. This work continues through the generosity of those who feel called to support it.

Courage for Cancer is an initiative of The Matthew Kelly Foundation.