Hi, I’m Joy Clausen Soto the author of “Joy: The story of a dolphin trainer, filmmaker, and cancer survivor.” I’m a keynote speaker and I’ve spoken at TEDx about how I found control in an uncontrollable situation. When I was in my early twenties I made my dream of becoming a SeaWorld dolphin trainer a reality. It was the most amazing experience of my life. At twenty-four I went after another lifelong dream of becoming a filmmaker. Shortly after I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. When everything felt out of control I decided to find a way to take back the direction of my life. I made a documentary on myself with the hope of showing a story of survival. My documentary, “Just One Year: A story of triumph over cancer,” went on to film festivals where it won several awards. I returned to SeaWorld where I started a program for kids from Rady Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles to have a day away from it all and get in the water with a dolphin. I wanted to show them that you can go through a difficult time and still accomplish your dreams. We all face hardships. It’s how we recover from those hardships that define us.
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What an absolutely incredible story. Your optimism and positive attitude is truly admiring. The book is very well written. I have a 2 & 3 year old and whenever I got the chance I would pick it up to read. I was hooked!! I finished in two days!! I cried multiple times. Your story was beautifully told.
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I just want to let you know I can not stop reading it since you sent it to me. I’ve been crying feeling a range of emotions as I read it. SO much of what you went through mentally and physically, how you felt, is exactly how I did and do to this day. It was like I was reading about much of my own journey through your words. All your strength and fight, the ups and downs, trying to figure out what is “normal” after having cancer. The emotional roller coaster during your journey and after. I can so deeply relate to it all. Reading about your journey is already helping me so much.
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I have to say this book was amazing. The Author has a fun, quirky, and endearing style of writing that keeps you coming back for more. At times I couldn't put it down as I wanted to see what happens next. She helps you to feel the lows as well as the highs and to see her inner strength as she battles not only the cancer but chases her dreams. She made me feel like I was right there with her at times.
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This story is inspiring for everyone who reads this book. Even tho this is the author's personal story of overcoming different obstacles and survival... it has so many empathetic markers that allow people to connect with on many levels and through many hardships. It doesn't matter what you are going through, this book will enlighten and inspire you to push on and continue to strive. It's an inspiring, thought-provoking and touching story! The authors writing and blog style posts make you feel like you are reliving this challenging time with her and are right there all along, rooting for her survival and the survival of other characters and relationships in this story. A MUST READ!
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