In a book of faith, hope, and unwavering trust in Christ, Think Hope tells the story of Maria Middleton, a high school girl from the Philadelphia area whose inspiring story impacted people around the world.
Ascension has released Think Hope, a book that follows the story of Philadelphia teen Maria Middleton on her inspiring journey of faith as she suffered from an inoperable brain tumor.
Before her diagnosis, Maria lived as a normal teen. She played sports, spent time with friends, and loved her family. In her daily life she spread joy to her teachers and friends, fueled by her Catholic Faith, striving toward everyday holiness without “being weird” as she would say. Then out of the blue, young Maria was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. This is where Maria’s foundation of trust and hope began to further inspire people around the world as she suffered through her illness.
Written by Maria’s parents Brian and Susan Middleton, Maria’s witness in Think Hope will encourage Catholics to seek God’s will for their life in the midst of trials, and to live from the hope that love always triumphs over death.
Featuring a foreword written by Rev. Nelson J. Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia and personal friend of the Middleton’s, Think Hope is full of stories of Maria’s ordinary life and how she displayed her faith without “being weird” as she would say.
Authors Brian and Susan Middleton comment on their hope for readers as they follow along with Maria’s story, “Maria’s last journaled words ‘think hope’ encapsulates the disposition of her soul. Each step in her life was a decision to either draw closer or move away from God, from Love. Our prayer is that Maria’s life and writings will inspire the reader to live their life in pursuit of this ‘hope’, that no matter what they may be facing in their lives that they come to realize Maria’s trustful words, ‘God has this.’”
Contributor E. Ron Watson also comments, “As Maria was gradually pruned of her physical abilities, I witnessed in the hospital her tranquil courage and trust in God’s plan leading others closer to God in prayer, reflection, and hope. Even today, Maria’s story awakens faith in some and deepens it for others.”
Think Hope is the perfect companion for other Ascension titles, Habits for Holiness, and Pocket Guide to the Rosary.
This Hope is available at www.AscensionPress.com.
Praise for Think Hope
“Think Hope gives readers a glimpse into the inspiring witness of a young woman who fully embraced God’s plan for her life. Her example of a virtuous life offered for the conversion of others is a beacon of light in a world that has forgotten God.”
–Antonia Acutis
Mother of St. Carlo Acutis
“Think Hope is a book that will cause many readers to rethink the way they look at the world and our place in it. It will challenge us to examine presuppositions about life, its meaning, and the place of human suffering. It will offer us a glimpse into the mystery of divine love expressed in a young woman’s embrace of Christ. It will offer to the youth, and readers of all ages, a way through the fears, anxieties, and despairs that sometimes seem so prevalent in the world today—a movement from darkness to light, from confusion to commitment, from chaos to hope.”
–Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez, D.D.
Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
“Think Hope is a powerful story of a modern day St. Therese de Lisieux. This beautiful book written through the eyes of Maria Middleton's parents, Susan and Brian, captures the story of the soul of young Maria diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. Her parents weave Maria's remarkable young life with her golden nuggets of spiritual insights (found in her diary) revealing a treasure trove of HOPE for each one of us. Thank you, Maria for deepening my insight on the truth of redemptive suffering… I pray this book awakens hope and trust in our Lord for each reader as it has with me.”
–Sr. Deirdre M. Byrne, POSC
Superior of the Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts in Washington, DC
About the Authors
Brian and Susan Middleton are passionate about faith and family. Their lives were forever changed when their youngest daughter, Maria, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Walking that sacred and sorrowful path with Maria became the most profound journey of their lives.
Brian and Susan are the parents of a blended family of six, whose ever-growing circle of grandchildren reflects a legacy rooted in faith, perseverance, and deep love. They have worked side by side for many years—Susan as the heart of their home and office manager for Brian’s succession planning firm.
Throughout their many years, they have joyfully served the Church in a variety of roles, but what they learned on their journey with Maria has been their greatest inspiration. In the face of suffering, Maria’s grace and courage illuminated something extraordinary. Her final written words—“think hope”—were not only a message to her family but a calling to the world.
In honor of Maria’s legacy, Brian and Susan are directors of the Think Hope Foundation. Through this work, they strive to bring light into darkness and hope into places of despair, one person at a time. Their debut title with Ascension is Think Hope: Maria Middleton's Life of Unyielding Trust in God.
E. Ron Watson is a humble and dynamic writer who witnessed Maria Middleton’s last five months of life while she was a patient in the hospital where he worked. Maria’s life deeply enriched his, so Ron sought to share her story. He knew it had the potential to awaken faith in some and deepen it for others, both young and old.
Ron’s career spans various roles including newspaper reporter and editor, banking vice president, government public information officer, freelance wordsmith, and finally, 20 years as communications director for a community health system. He has also been an active volunteer in parish and archdiocesan affairs. In retirement, he volunteers in the press office of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa and is president of a fledgling scholarship fund for Catholic school students. He is married to Diane, a love at first sight. They raised 3 children and have 2 grandchildren. Ron is working on a new nonfiction work and a garden that is too big, while trying to find time for fly-fishing.
About Ascension
Ascension is a multimedia network and the leader in Catholic faith formation and digital content. Over the past 25 years, Ascension has helped nurture the faith of more than 20 million Catholics through award-winning books, the chart-topping Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)® podcast, more than 50 unique faith formation programs, and Ascension Presents, which hosts one of the largest Catholic YouTube channels in English.
Media Contact
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