A woman brought Miriam's book to our breast cancer support group last night and I read it in one sitting. It made me laugh out loud and validated many of the feelings I've had during the course of my treatment; what a gift! In fact, she wrote some of the exact same things I've said in the past year. I was so sorry to read her cancer returned, and now to find out that she died in 2006. My heart goes out to her husband, son and family and friends. She was a bright light in the world.

Grazie al tuo libro io ho capito come scrivere. Ti devo tantissimo, guardo il cielo e ti ringrazio, perché grazie a te sto realizzando un sogno. Farò di tutto affinché il tuo libro diventi ancora più famoso e il mondo sappia che donna di talento e di cuore abbia perso. Riposa in Pace Ester

I just bought Miriam's book 2 days ago, because I love the title. I started reading it right away, and I kept having to put the book down in my lap, in order to have a good laugh!! Oh, Miriam - I love your sense of humour! What a joy you are! I don't have cancer, but my husband, sister, her husband, my mom all either have or have had cancer. I will share this book with them, and I am inspired to try and share as honestly as you and to try and make people laugh, when I write my stories. I am deeply saddened to hear that you are on the other side - the earth needs people like you and books like your book. Hope to meet you one day, Miriam - in Heaven. With love, Abigail

I was diagnosed two months ago, and just recently read Miriam's "Shallower Person." I wish I could have told Miriam how much this little book means to me. I'm just starting this journey, and I know that her wisdom and sense of humor will make it a bit easier to take. Thank you.

I've read so many books on breast cancer and this one really hit home. I laughed, I cried, I related alot of the same experiences. I too wanted to reach out to her and thank her, only to find she passed. I haven't cried this much in months. It was not what I had expected to find out. I would have liked to have met her in person. I am 48 now and just beginning radiation treatments. I wish her family the best.

Just finished Miriam's "Shallower Person" book and wanted to write to her, to thank her. Learning she has passed has deeply saddened me. I really got to know her through her cartoons and although I did not have a cancer, a family member did and we related so much to her plight, and she to ours. Rest in Peace

Just finished Miriam's "Shallower Person" book and wanted to write to her, to thank her. Learning she has passed has deeply saddened me. I really got to know her through her cartoons and although I did not have a cancer, a family member did and we related so much to her plight, and she to ours. Rest in Peace

rest in peace...

Her life is an inspiration. She faced pain with humor and lived her life with grace. I'll always remember.

Her life is an inspiration. She faced pain with humor and lived her life with grace. I'll always remember.

You will always be in my heart

She was such an amazing and strong woman.

While working for the Breast Cancer Fund I met so many amazing survivors and supporters. One in particular changed the way I looked at the disease and taught me to stop taking myself so seriously. In late July 2006, my massage therapist recommended that I read a book entitled, "Cancer Made Me a Shallower Person". It was hysterical. Miriam Engelberg, a San Francisco woman, had been creating comics for Compass Point Nonprofit Services and was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001. She decided to chronicle her experience in comics shortly after, and she sure wasn't pulling any punches. Miriam is to cancer treatment, like Dilbert is to office culture. This October, when others are remembering the loved ones they've lost to this devastating disease, I'm going to remember Miriam - a woman whose irreverence, honesty and charm inspired thousands of adoring readers.