Think Hope: Maria Middleton's Life of Unyielding Trust in God

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Think Hope: Maria Middleton's Life of Unyielding Trust in God

Think Hope

Maria Middleton's Life of Unyielding Trust in God

$19.99

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"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 Salzano Acutis

Mother of St. Carlo Acutis

An inspiring story of faith, resilience, and unwavering hope in Christ

“Think Hope.” These two simple words became the guiding light of Maria Middleton’s journey, and the legacy she left behind.

At just 18 years old, Maria, a vibrant teen from the Philadelphia area, faced the devastating diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor. Yet even in the midst of suffering, Maria’s Catholic faith, joy, and courage revealed a truth far greater than her illness: that hope is stronger than despair, and the love of God always triumphs over death.

In Think Hope, readers will encounter Maria’s extraordinary testimony—one that continues to ripple outward, touching countless lives around the world. Through choosing love in ordinary moments and choosing hope in great suffering, Maria showed the world that holiness is not about being different or distant, but about choosing to live with courage, authenticity, and joy.

As Maria often reminded those around her: “God’s got this.”

Though she did not receive the physical healing she and her loved ones prayed for, Maria’s life became a miracle of another kind—a miracle of hope. To this day, her witness continues to inspire others around the world to face challenges with faith, perseverance, and a heart rooted in God.

Think Hope will inspire Catholics through:

A deeply moving true story of faith in the face of suffering
A reminder that hope remains, no matter the circumstance
A source of inspiration for anyone seeking meaning, healing, or encouragement
A testimony that striving for holiness is not distant or unachievable—it is for everyone

Maria’s words and witness remind us that hope is not just an abstract concept—it is a way of life. Her story invites readers to see the miracle that hope brings and to carry it into their own lives.

Think Hope—and discover how God’s light triumphs even in life’s darkest moments.

"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 Thérèse 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

SKU: 9798892760737
Format: Book
Binding: Perfect Bound
Dimensions: 5.5" x 8.5"
Page Count: 184
Language: English
Publisher: Ascension Press
Publication Date: Oct 08, 2025

E. Ron Watson

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.

Ron's debut title with Ascension is "Think Hope: Maria Middleton's Life of Unyielding Trust in God."

Brian and Susan Middleton

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.

After Maria’s passing, Brian and Susan began a Foundation to support ministries that bring hope into this world through education, building communities of hope and restoring hope to those in need. More information can be found at www.ThinkHope.org.