A Privileged Life: Remembering My Journey - Paperback

by David Black Ph. D. (Introduction by), Christopher A. Hall Ph. D. (Editor), Delores F. Brisbon (Author)

Delores Brisbon's memoir reveals a life that shattered all molds of tradition, tracing an unlikely career from a nurse trained in racially segregated Tuskegee, Alabama, to the Chief Operating Officer at a major university hospital and then business owner and community leader in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In A Privileged Life: Remembering My Journey, Ms. Brisbon explains how an inner strength born from her deep faith not only helped her to balance her career with raising her children and nurturing her marriage, but how it also guided her through her husband's long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. In describing how she acted as her husband's main caregiver for 17 years, Ms. Brisbon takes us on a journey that puts into perspective the day-to-day struggles of work and family, and shows us the value of adjusting to the unexpected challenges that life presents. In the narrative of this one remarkable woman, we will find a guidebook on rising above adversity, trusting in a higher power, and, perhaps most importantly, staying true to ourselves. "Delores Brisbon has written a grace-filled account of God's providential guidance of her life's journey from a young African American girl growing up in the South to her role as the leading as Chief Operating Officer of the Hospital University of Pennsylvania. The story of her husband James's struggle with Alzheimer's disease breaks the reader's heart. I heartily recommend it." - Chris A. Hall, Chancellor and Dean, Palmer Theological Seminary - the Seminary of Eastern University "An inspiring memoir by a remarkable woman who rose from humble origins, defeated racial and gender prejudice, and became a respected leader in health care." - Arnold S. Relman, M.D., Emeritus Professor of Medicine and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School

Author Biography

Delores Flynn Brisbon is a community and church leader and seasoned executive. A widow, mother of two adult children and grandmother of three grandchildren, Delores is an Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Over a forty-year period, Delores has served a significant number of non-profit organizations. Currently, she serves the Board of Trustees of Eastern University, St. Davids, Pennsylvania; Mercy Health System of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Presby Inspired Life and the Board of Directors of the Presbyterian Community Ministries of Delaware Valley. In a professional career that expands more than fifty years across three health care institutions, Delores is a retired Chief Operating Officer of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, the first African-American to have been appointed to that position. She currently serves as a governance mentor for INTRUST - a service of the association of Boards in theological education. Delores lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.