Stella’s Mum Gets Her Groove Back may have been published only a year ago, but the inspirational story of author, Elisabetta Franzoso’s personal transformation has certainly gotten others grooving to its life-changing insights.

The book’s first anniversary at The Pod, National Library Building on 16 September 2009 was a celebration of the awareness and action of people who have been touched by Franzoso’s powerful journey. In 1997, she courageously began confronting the pain of childhood abuse to attain wholeness as a mother, wife and businesswoman.

The evening’s guest speaker, neuroscientist, wheelchair marathon champion and philanthropist, Dr. William Tan, 52, reflected on how Franzoso’s mantra of self-responsibility recently became very real to him in his own journey from denial to commitment as he battles leukemia.

Diagnosed with the disease in April this year, Tan shared, “I’ve realized it’s important for me to allow my emotions to be released (in my) difficulty in coming to terms with my cancer, and then move on from there. So I always tell myself, I have to move on, and not only move on forward, but move up to a higher vantage point.”

Others who spoke at the event resonated with the same indomitable spirit the book inspires. Among them was fitness trainer, Lucy Lyon, 32, who related how anorexia controlled her and seemed to make choices for her until she realized how little she really cared for herself.

PHOTOS: Daniel Poh

Performance coach, Marcel Daane, 42, described how he overcame his anger towards his abusive parents, which manifested in substance abuse, by becoming accountable for his own actions.

For Mongolian sportswoman and ultra marathon winner, Anne Qihui Date, 28, Fronzoso’s book was her little “miracle”, helping her unlearn the need to please people, inculcated growing up in a traditional Asian family.

Seeing how her story has influenced people, Franzoso is no longer, “walking towards her dream but living it,” as the book becomes a catalyst for abuse to be addressed openly.

Her continuing passion to help others brims as she shares, “The more you talk about this topic, the more you can take away the darkness and really enter the light. The more you can let go of the denial, the more you can do something about it.”

Stella’s Mum Gets Her Groove Back is available at Borders, Kinokuniya and Popular for S$28.80.

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