Brand new Mississippi author Molly May will sign copies of her inspirational memoir, “My Crowning Achievement (Beating Cancer),” just ahead of Mississippi State University’s home football opener against Stephen F. Austin University.
A native of Houston and an MSU graduate, May has held several pageant titles, including Miss Mississippi State University and Miss Maroon and White while a student from 2015-2017.
She will appear on Friday, Aug. 31 at the MSU Theatre lobby in McComas Hall from 4-6 p.m., on Saturday, Sept. 1 at The Book Mart and Cafe on Main Street from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., and Saturday at the MSU Barnes and Noble from 2-4 p.m. First-edition, signed copies will be $14, plus tax.
A second-generation breast cancer survivor, May was diagnosed four years ago with the rare BRCA-1 gene and chose a double mastectomy after being told by her medical team that a breast cancer diagnosis was a near certainty by her mid-20s. Only 19 then, she remains the youngest person in the state of Mississippi to have had the surgery.
“What I want to do most is help people,” May said. “This book, and my nonprofit, are my ways to do that.”
That nonprofit organization, Caps That Care, raises funds for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals and collects head coverings made of soft, breathable fabric for cancer patients of all ages. May and her mother, Debra, make regular donations of items like beanies, bandannas, scarves and soft caps to cancer patients who find wigs uncomfortable.
“I felt my story could be inspirational, but I knew Caps That Care could help,” May said. “It’s something tangible I can leave behind.”
May’s book was published by Dogwood Press of Brandon. A portion of proceeds from every copy sold will benefit Batson Children’s Hospital in Jackson and Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
“Molly’s story absolutely grabbed me,” said Joe Lee, Dogwood Press editor-in-chief. “She has a true servant’s heart, and she is making it her life’s work to comfort cancer patients as they fight for their lives.
“The more I talked to Molly and saw how passionate and dedicated she is to her service platform, the more strongly I felt about donating to the hospitals through book sales. It’s our fervent hope that this book — and Molly’s perseverance and strong faith — will impact people who are hurting in a very positive way.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 46 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
