by Chung So

Steve Rom is no stranger to City of Hope. Since his treatment for leukemia at City of Hope in 2002, Rom has joined the Speakers Bureau to share his experiences as a cancer survivor. He still consults regularly with his oncologist, David Snyder, M.D., and participates in the annual Bone Marrow Transplant Reunion each April.

Now he has given his relationship with City of Hope literary permanency through the power of the pen.

His first book, “Centered by a Miracle: A True Story of Friendship, Football and Life,” was published in October. The book chronicles Rom’s battle against cancer and the team of friends and supporters who helped him along, including Snyder, City of Hope nurses and Rod Payne, a Super Bowl-veteran football player and the book’s co-author. Rom plans to sign copies of the book at the 2007 Bone Marrow Transplant Reunion.

“I wanted to inspire other people and let them know they are not alone in this fight against cancer,” Rom said. “I was so fortunate to have Rod be a member of my team; he coached me through this difficult time and showed me that friendship can overcome any obstacle.”

Rom was inspired to write this book after the responses he received for his columns that appeared in the Arizona Daily Sun, where he worked as a sports reporter following treatment.

“People were amazed by my story on fighting cancer, so I wrote this book to reach out to more people and to encourage others who are going through this,” he said.

For more information on Rom’s book or to purchase a copy, visit www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com.