“What [Laurada’s] life teaches us is that true grit has a purpose, and that purpose is to make the future better for others.” – Angela Duckworth, PhD, New York Times Bestselling Author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

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Born into privilege in Bronxville, New York, Laurada Byers’s early life included boarding school in Connecticut, world travel, and a marriage to the wildly charismatic and endlessly curious W. Russell G. Byers, an acclaimed newspaper columnist. Together, they built a home in Philadelphia's historic Chestnut Hill filled with laughter, cherished traditions, and a spirit of generosity.

Then, in a single unimaginable moment, everything changed.

After witnessing her husband's murder on December 4, 1999, Laurada found herself navigating overwhelming grief and an uncertain future. But instead of allowing loss to define her, she chose to honor Russell's passion for education by creating the Russell Byers Charter School. This lasting legacy continues to inspire and educate generations of students.

Life would ask even more of her. Confronting diagnoses of Parkinson's disease and cancer, Laurada once again discovered reservoirs of courage she never knew she possessed, finding renewed purpose and the determination to keep moving forward.

Heartfelt, elegant, and deeply inspiring, this memoir is a testament to resilience and the enduring power of love. Through extraordinary adventures and inconceivable losses, Laurada's journey reminds us that hope is not something we find—it is something we choose.

Because, as Laurada learned, anything is possible.

PRAISE:

“I know few people who have been through the pain and suffering the likes of which Laurada has endured, but at the same time one could also argue conversely that she had a piece of a glorious life. Laurada always wanted every minute to count and have impact and believe me it has! What a great message Laurada's memoir sends and how inspiring from so many different perspectives as only she can do!”
–Judith von Seldeneck, Founder and Chair Emeritus, DSG Global

“Russell Byers was a person of influence in Philadelphia. When he was tragically murdered, instead of succumbing to a life of grief, Laurada chose to expand that influence, creating a school with lasting impact in the community and exploring the world in ways that seem unimaginable. Reading about her adventures was awe-inspiring. As someone who joins her in the Parkinson’s challenge, I admire her tenacity so eloquently written about in this book. Laurada’s incredible will and drive in the face of her disease should serve as an inspiration to all who face adversity.”   
 –Hon. Edward. G. Rendell, former Mayor of Philadelphia and Governor of Pennsylvania.

“Laurada's adventures as recounted in her heartfelt memoir are occasionally hair-raising, but she is clearly a woman of immense passion for adventure! Her commitment to founding the school was inspirational to watch. Having known and worked with her late husband, after whom the school is named, I was honored when she asked me to create the first school logo.”
–Signe Wilkinson, Pulitzer Prize Winner, retired editorial cartoonist

“Laurada's commitment to the children of Philadelphia following the tragic death of her husband comes through in this remarkable book. I started a charter school just before Laurada did and we shared many of our challenges and triumphs. She is a lady with a can-do spirit, and we are all enriched by her presence.”
–Congressman Dwight Evans

by Laurada Byers
Page Count: 178
Trim Size: 6 x 9
Publish Date: July 28, 2026
Imprint: Sunbury Press
Genre: Memoir

BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Women
BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Memoirs
FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS / Death, Grief, Bereavement