Sexual Abuse Awareness Month
April is Sexual Abuse and Child Abuse Awareness month. Author Linda Kay Simmons talks with host Kathy Heberle about her powerful new book, Pissant and Cinderella. It tells the story of siblings who were betrayed by those close to them and how they rose up to lead their best lives.
Laura Pole is a a clinical oncology nurse specialist and a chef. She helps patients decipher their nutritional needs. More on this edition of Sisterhood of the Second Act
Linda Kay Simmons
Linda Kay Simmons is the author of four novels. Her role as a writer is her second act. She was a flight attendant for more than three decades then returned to her beloved Moneta, VA.
Her first three books, “Cahas Mountain,” “Lamb on a Tombstone,” and “Lightning Shall Strike” center around her home in Franklin County. She draws on family stories and the history of the area.
Her latest book, “Pissant and Cinderella,” is a departure from her other books in that it is not located in Franklin County and is based on real people. The book deals with childhood sexual abuse and comes with a trigger warning.
Laura Pole
Laura Pole is an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Smith Center’s Director of Nourishment Programs. She is also head chef for Smith Center retreats. The Smith Center for Healing and the Arts is in Washington, DC. The non-profit was founded in 1996. Its mission is to develop and promote healing practices that explore physical, emotional, and mental wellness and lead to life-affirming changes. The Center specializes in serving people with cancer and utilizing the arts in healing.
In addition to Laura’s role as an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, she is also an Integrative Oncology Navigator with over 40 years of experience in caring for people with serious illness. Laura is also a Certified Health Supportive Chef.
As a trained chef she helps patients determine the best nutritional course to take to support their treatment and aide their recovery.
Meet both of these women on this edition of Sisterhood of the Second Act.
Show Notes
If you or someone you know needs help contact one of these organizations or call 911.
THE NATIONAL CHILD ABUSE HOTLINE
1-800-4-A-CHILD 1-800-422-4453
SARAROANOKE.ORG 24-hour crisis hotline 540-981-9352, TTY: 711, Espanol 888-969-1825
Laura Pole lpchef@earthlink.net and Smith Center Bio
