Resilience: Reflections on the Burdens and Gifts of Facing Life's Adversities

Elizabeth Edwards is one of the most beloved political figures in the country and, on the surface, she seems to have led a charmed life. In many ways, she has. Beautiful family. Thriving career. Supportive friendships. But she’s no stranger to adversity. Many know of the strength she showed after her son, Wade, was killed in a freak car accident when he was only sixteen years old. She would exhibit this remarkable grace and courage again when the very private matter of her husband’s infidelity became public fodder. And when her own life was on the line. Days before the 2004 presidential election–when her husband, John, was running for vice president–she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After rounds of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, the cancer went away–only to recur in 2007.