From the time Frances was born, the odds were stacked against her. She was born to Italian immigrants in 1917; her father resented her for being a girl, and her mother resented her for being born at all.
And when a rift in the family left the girl and her mother alone and penniless, things managed to get even worse: she was taken away to an orphanage, left in the care of stern nuns who never offered the hysterically crying six-year-old an ounce of comfort.
But the same girl who spent her formative years facing feelings of abandonment and isolation managed to grow into a woman full of positivity and gratitude, overcoming astounding obstacles and never showing a hint of bitterness.
This inspiring true story documents the incredible life of Frances, and how she has faced each instance of adversity and prejudice in her life armed with sweetness and grace.
Written candidly and affectionately by Frances's daughter, Arleen Mercorella, A Matter of Survival is a testament to the ability to overcome life's challenges-a true inspiration for those facing hardships of any type in their lives.
About the Author: Arleen Mercorella was born and raised in Queens, New York. Her love of travel drew her to working for Pan American Airways at the age of seventeen, and she went on to spend most of her professional career working for airline and travel industry executives.
In addition to her experience in the business world, Arleen also completed several college writing courses, leading her to develop a style of her own and find success in a variety of business writing projects.
Arleen also became a licensed New York City tour guide and started her own company out of her love for New York City and her passion for knowledge.
After fifty-three years of marriage, Arleen and her husband have two children and five grandchildren. For the past five years, the couple have been retired and living in the Wilmington area of North Carolina.
