On Eagle's Wings

A Remarkable Woman, A Cruel Disease—On Eagle’s Wings is the Story of a Survivor Who Lived Life to the Fullest.

"On Eagle's Wings is a biography filled with warmth, insight, and love—an inspiring antidote to the cruel illness Annie battled."
-Jon Reiner, James Beard Foundation Award-Winning Author of The Man Who Couldn't Eat

Pain was her constant companion —but it didn't define her.

Meet Annie. Animal lover. Compassionate teacher. Avid sailor. Charity founder. Crohn's fighter. With her soul mate and husband, Glenn, and their menagerie of rescued animals at her side, she lived life to the fullest, in spite of severe Crohn's disease. Throughout her lifetime Annie had twenty-eight surgeries and the majority of her bowels removed, resulting in an ostomy. She endured months at a time of no eating and no drinking, receiving all of her nutrition through an IV.

Over one million Americans suffer from some form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a group of chronic, life-long conditions including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. For many, a diagnosis is accompanied by a loss of freedom, loss of sexuality, and loss of hope. But—take it from Annie—it doesn't have to be. Whether you suffer from a chronic medical condition or are the picture of health, Annie's story offers valuable lessons on how to tap into the power found in laughter, love, and faith.

Gail Parker (www.gailparker.net) always enjoyed writing but never imagined she would end up writing a book. She realized Annie’s life story simply needed to be told and spent five years collecting memories and working on the manuscript that became this book. Theater and music have been a major part of Gail’s life— she used to sing and perform professionally. She enjoys working with her hands, as well, so when her entertaining days were over, she began a craft business. One of the many things that Gail and Annie bonded over was their love of animals of all kinds. Gail is happily married with two children, three stepchildren, and six grandchildren. She lives in a suburb of Philadelphia.