In The Author's Corner With Etienne

An average middle-class Italian-American, Mary Ann Barrucco was born and bred in Brooklyn, New York where she attended and graduated Lafayette High School. Her mother passed away 2 days later from pancreatic cancer. A few months later Mary Ann met her husband, Eddie. After three years of dating, they married. Mary Ann had the wedding of her dreams and excitedly looked forward to her new life.  Mary Ann's dream for the future became a nightmare when her new husband's drinking addiction began spiraling out of control with no intent of stopping. Her mounting feelings of helplessness led her to Alanon where she learnt the full impact of the disease and how her angry outbursts contributed to his weakness and made her a victim. Her struggles continued until she escaped into the world of compulsive gambling. The icing on the cake came when her husband, Eddie, suffered from a heart disease. This resulted in a neccsaary heart transplant. Mary Ann has shown such courage and strength throughout her ordeal. She is one