My name is Mary Jane Hurley Brant but most people call me MJ. I am a practicing Human Relations Counselor, a Certified Group Psychotherapist, and a Certified Leader of Simple Abundance Workshops. On Oct. 1, 2008, I had a dream come true: I became a published author.
 My book is entitled, When Every Day Matters: A Mother's Memoir on Love, Loss and Life. I wrote this book to survive. I wrote this book to help other people through loss because I believe there are moments in life when we think we will never recover: the death of a loved one, a devastating diagnosis, a divorce, or our livelihood. In my personal case, I lost my beloved daughter, Katie, to a brain tumor.
FROM THE PRESS RELEASE - Sarah Ban Breathnach, the #1 NY Times publishing phenomenon and best selling author of Simple Abundance is launching The Simple Abundance Press with When Every Day Matters by opening the way for a voice in the silent world after the death of a child....MJ provides the reader with reflections and advice on accepting the unacceptable trials of life.
"The Simple Abundance Press recognizes the need to bring comfort to those who are hurting through unique and powerful books that are often bypassed by traditional publishers looking for a mass market. When Every Day Matters is one of those books....The insights of women who are first in line on life's battlefield provide an invaluable service to those of us who follow," explains Sarah Ban Breathnach, author turned publisher.
Sarah Ban Breathnach has this to say about her first release, "In her moving book on what matters most in life MJ Hurley Brant confronts the unthinkable with courage, compassion and candor. This book is an exquisite evocation of life after loss."
FROM THE BOOK'S COVER - In her courageous book, MJ Hurley Brant chronicles the first year of living without her beloved daughter, Katie Brant. For ten years Katie and her family lived with the diagnosis, treatment and progression of brain cancer. MJ shares with us not the story of a life lost through tragedy, but the legacy of a renewed life filled with grace, compassion, wisdom and choice. A life in which Every Day Matters.
Living with grief is a lonely journey, but you don't have to do it alone. Within these pages you will find a reassuring companion who knows what you are going through because she's been there.
EARLY PRAISE FOR WHEN EVERY DAY MATTERS
"Fourteen years after my father's passing, with this book, I have finally found a way to understand my own complex feelings of grief as well as those of my mother. M.J.'s heartfelt, raw and touching story of her beautiful daughter's sojourn provides a gateway to understanding unconditional love, loss and the inevitable journey back to life and joy. This book will help you to understand some of your own feelings, thoughts and actions as well as those of others during unfamiliar and unconscionable circumstances. MJ's style is conversational, heartfelt, witty, and awash with honesty and pure love. This book is sure to change the world... I know it has already changed mine." ~ Sue Urda, Co-Founder of Powerful You!
"This is a book that will break your heart and put it back together again. This is the story of a daughter who wouldn't give up and a mother who never lost faith. The reader can't help but be inspired by the indomitable human spirit that resides within Mary Jane Brant."
Larry Kirshbaum - Founder LJK Literary Management
"This beautiful memoir by MJ Brant offers powerful psychological insight into life's most difficult issues. When Every Day Matters is a compelling and important story, which reads like a novel, about her dynamic and heroic daughter who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 18. The wisdom, intimacy and friendship this book offers will help readers survive their own sorrows and personal losses. It will give them new-found strength to discover their joy once again."
Lennie Roche Perrott, M.S., Licensed Psychologist
"When Every Day Matters is an absolutely beautiful book. It will be a source of great strength for so many people. It is a great source of strength for me."
Jonathan L. Finlay, M.D., Children's Hospital LA, CA
Education: B.A. Psychology from Rutgers University. M.S. Counseling & Human Relations from Villanova University. Certification from American Group Psychotherapy Asso. & The National Registry of Group Psychotherapists.
Continuing Education: U.of PA Depart. of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson U. Medical School, Kutztown U., Harvard Medical School, Institute of PA Hospital, Horsham Clinic, Northwestern Institute of Psychiatry, Yale University, Widener University, The Jung Institute Zurich, Switzerland, The C.G.Jung Foundation, NY, Jungian Extensive Study in Galway City, Ireland, C.G.Jung Center Phila., PA, private tutorial in balanced living intention-minded feng shui.
Employment: Before entering into private practice in 1992, I was the Clinical Coordinator and Senior Psychotherapist for six years with a large psychiatric practice in the Phila. suburbs. Before that I worked five years in community mental health. In addition to my private practice and consulting, I continue to work with religious communities in hospice.
Joining Powerful You! helped me to talk about my writing and it prepared me for what is happening right now. PY! helped me to open up myself to the other women at our meetings and luncheons. I feel so grateful for discovering this wonderful group, Sue, Kathy, and all of you. Powerful You! is a great blessing in my life.
I will share my proceeds with the foundation that my daughter began, Katies Kids for the Cure, (see www.Katiekids.org) that funds research to find a cure for children's brain tumors.
I've been on TV and radio talk shows in Philadelphia, PA, CT and NJ. Available for talks and signings.
MJ's Articles
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