"I Can't Have Cancer, I Have Carpool!"

Meet the Author: Elizabeth Hodges was 38 when she got the news, “You have leukemia.” Six weeks later, she was told she also had adult cystic fibrosis. With three young children, intense fear set in that she might not live to see them grow up. Instead of giving in, she became determined to prioritize her role as a mother and lead a life driven by purpose and clarity, even with cancer. Over her eighteen-year journey, she discovered that motherhood can be the strongest motivation to survive and thrive.

Before cancer, Elizabeth was an accomplished global advertising and marketing executive who worked with Fortune 500 companies like Ogilvy & Mather and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). After her experience with these life-changing diseases, she shifted her focus to nonprofit work in the arts, global public health, and education.

Now, she’s an advocate, writer, and storyteller, using her experiences to inspire other mothers navigating cancer’s tough road.​ Her debut book, "I Can’t Have Cancer, I Have Carpool! Lessons on Beating Cancer While Being a Mom", is an honest and heartfelt account of using motherhood as a source of strength, courage, and finding clarity in the face of adversity.

​Elizabeth is the proud mother of three adult daughters, each in their 20s. She and her husband split their time between England and Florida, where she continues to write and share her story.

Being a mother is challenging enough—facing cancer at the same time can feel impossible. But as Elizabeth Hodges learned, survival isn’t just about beating the disease; it’s about showing up every day for the ones who need you most, including yourself.

​Diagnosed with leukemia at 38—and adult cystic fibrosis just weeks later—Elizabeth was determined to fight for her life while still being the mother her three young daughters deserved. Over 18 years, she discovered that motherhood isn’t just a challenge during cancer; it’s one of the strongest motivations to survive.

is an educational memoir in which Elizabeth shares hard-earned insights and practical advice for navigating a diagnosis, managing treatment, and reclaiming control of your life while being present for your family. This book is a lifeline for any mother facing cancer, offering fresh hope, guidance, and the reminder that even on the hardest days, just making it to the carpool lane is a victory.

About our Elaine's Literary Salon Host, A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General's Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more:

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A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. "I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her," shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area." Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront.

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