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

"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