Choosing Love and Adventure
in the Face of Terminal Illness
This book is a testament to the idea that it’s not what happens to you, but what you do with what happens to you. It provides the tools and the permission to choose life, even in the shadow of death.
“This touching, poignant story needs to be read by anyone who loses someone they love deeply. Jerry’s grief is palpable, but the romance between them never wanes. Along with the sorrow, this book will also uplift and comfort you.”
—Pamela Des Barres, Bestselling Author
About the book
Dying to Live is a deeply moving and ultimately uplifting prescriptive memoir that chronicles the extraordinary journey of Jerry Danielsen and his late wife Angela. Following Angela’s devastating diagnosis of terminal cancer, they make a conscious and courageous decision: to prioritize living fully and creating lasting memories in the time they have left. Rather than succumbing to despair, they chose to embark on a series of travels, each destination carefully selected to offer unique experiences, foster connection, and maintain a positive outlook in the face of profound loss.
But Dying to Live is more than the story of their journey; it is a practical guide for anyone facing a terminal diagnosis, whether as a patient, caregiver, or loved one. It offers a clear roadmap for taking back control from illness, providing actionable insights on how to:
- Navigate the overwhelming medical system and become a fierce, effective advocate.
- Proactively schedule joy and adventure to transform a grim calendar into a map of hope.
- Communicate through fear and grief to deepen your partnership.
- Manage the practical and emotional burdens of caregiving without losing yourself.
About the author
Jerry Danielsen is a composer, producer, and author who has spent decades finding the melody in the noise. A recipient of both a Gold Record and a Signal Award, Jerry’s career in music and audio storytelling ultimately prepared him for his most important role: primary caregiver and fierce advocate for his late wife, Angela.
News you can use
- CanvasRebel
Jerry Danielsen discusses building a full-time creative career, founding Busy Signal Studios, and adapting his business through changing technology and economic conditions. The interview covers his music, film scoring, poetry, teaching, podcast engineering, and the persistence required to make a living in the arts.
- SDVoyager — Rising Stars
SDVoyager introduces Jerry Danielsen and his creative career as a composer, producer, recording engineer, and owner of Busy Signal Studios. The feature highlights his work across music and audio, including projects for film, television, and theater.
- KHTS — The Rare Hour
Jerry Danielsen joins host Christopher Velona to discuss Dying to Live: Choosing Love and Adventure in the Face of a Terminal Illness. The conversation explores his wife Angela’s terminal breast cancer diagnosis and their decision to embrace travel and adventure together.
- Next Event
Visit Jerry at the Valencia Public Library on Saturday, October 10th, from noon to 1:30PM!
He will be available to answer questions and sign your copy of Dying to Live.
- Open to Hope
Dr. Gloria Horsley and Dr. Heidi Horsley interview Jerry Danielsen about widowhood, his book Dying to Live, and the experiences he shared with Angela during their “F-Cancer National Tour.” The episode closes with his song “We all will die someday,” connecting his writing and music with his experience of loss.
