Trading Ashes for From Pain to Passion A Celebration of Life Beyond Cancer Shock, anger, fear, denial they are all part of the cancer diagnosis. However, what was not expected was found on the other side of acceptance a life of unspeakable joy, purpose, and passion. Trading Ashes for Roses is the message that can be found in any human tragedy, pain, or loss. Connie shares as one who knows. Diagnosed with breast cancer nearly a decade ago, she stumbled through the predictable stages of cancer until she fell into the black pit of depression. Climbing out of that despair led her to a passionate joy for living a celebration of life! Transforming pain into passion is Connie s gift to anyone hurting from the loss of life s unexpected tragedies. She shares helpful hints for the survivor and for the caregiver, family and friends about how to help along each passage of the journey.