As with Americans across the country, Arizona resident Donna Killoughey-Bird’s life changed forever on September 11, 2001. Her husband, Gary Bird, had traveled to New York City on business, where he was in a meeting at the World Trade Centers. He was the only Arizonan killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
It was days before confirmation came of his passing, and it was then that Killoughey-Bird and their two children, then in their teens, would learn how to cope with the loss of a husband and father. “Nothing Will Separate Us” is a memoir of Donna’s remembrance of the great man her husband was, how she and her children have coped with such a loss, the healing power of community, and how little miracles have allowed them to stay connected to his memory, now 10 years since that fateful day.
“Losing a loved one so unexpectedly is never something you think could happen,” said Killoughey-Bird. “This book is a dedication to Gary’s memory which shares our family’s story since that day, how our community – and people we had never even met – surrounded us with love and support, and how life’s miracles have kept us connected to him since his passing.”
Net proceeds from the sale of the book – and 100% of voluntary contributions – will be donated to the Gary E. Bird Family Fund at the Catholic Community Foundation, which will benefit a number of educational awards; honors/tuition assistance for Christian service; and/or scholarships based upon academic performance. Recipients will be young adults of high school, college or trade school attendance ages.
“Nothing Will Separate Us” will soon be available on Amazon.com for $16.99 and Changing Hands Bookstore (6428 S McClintock Dr., Tempe, AZ 85283) will be holding a book-signing on Sunday, September 11 at 3 p.m.
To receive an advanced reader copy of “Nothing Will Separate Us” or to schedule an interview with Donna Killoughey-Bird, please contact Alison Bailin or Kendra Schultz at (602) 957-8881 or [email protected] / [email protected].