Susan Hathaway-Saurman had no aspirations to be a writer. But once she realized that sharing her true-life story of growing up a victim of child abuse could provide guidance to others who may be caught in an unsafe relationship, she set out to write her memoir.

In her book The Courage I Learned, she describes her abusive upbringing, the fear she suffered, the events leading to the murder of her mother when she was fourteen, and how she ultimately found the strength to go on. Long-time supporter of Laurel House, a non-profit organization for domestic violence serving individuals, families and communities throughout Montgomery County, PA, Susan also shares information about services available for those who need help.

Susan is a wife, mother and grandmother, and spends a majority of her free time enjoying the company of her grandchildren. She encourages everyone to live their life passing on kindness and not letting the pain of the past dim their light for the future. She lives with her husband, one of the many lights in her life, in Eagleville, Pennsylvania.