Through the Valley of the Shadow

About the Book

I opened Wally's book on a Monday evening and couldn't put it down until I'd finished it at 2 a.m. It was very easy to read and I got into the story very quickly as it grabbed my attention immediately. I think this book would be very helpful to people going through the diagnosis and chemotherapy stages of cancer treatment. I'm glad he wrote the book.
Lorraine Ferguson, Administrator, Penticton Regional Hospital

Wally's colourful narrative and poignant, often humorous journal entries drew me close to his family and friends as together they faced the adversities of his life-threatening illness. His pain, his challenges and his triumphs are recounted in intimate and informed detail. This is a compelling story of faith, love and determination told by one who has walked through the valley of the shadow - but not alone.
Ron Muzzillo, Director of Instruction (Retired), School District #67 Okanagan-Skaha)

In this painfully descriptive story, Wally recounts his faith and love for family, the music of Roy Orbison, his 62 Chevy and hockey, and the accompanying chemotherapy losses Ð hair, job and physical abilities that made him seek answers and meaning. He tells of how we should all think about becoming 're-born before we die'. Wally is an athlete, artist, author and articulate motivational speaker. But for those who get to meet him, he is truly an inspiration.
Steve King, addictions counselor, author, triathlete and the renowned Voice of Ironman Canada

I rode an emotional, heart wrenching roller coaster of tears and laughter as I read about Wally's passion for life. His determination and positive attitude comes from inner strength. It is his enduring sense of humour that fills the book with hope and from his gloom of pain and anguish emerges a ray of optimism. His family's love and support coupled with Wally's strength of spirit remind us that our journey on this planet is precious and must be enjoyed one day at a time.
Larry Little, Chief Librarian, City of Penticton

About the Author

Wally Hild is a 32-year veteran of radio and TV broadcasting at stations in Alberta and British Columbia. In the last 24 years, he hosted morning shows as well as serving as a news anchor.

He's a cancer survivor after enduring eight months of aggressive and invasive chemotherapy for severely advanced Hodgkin's disease in 1994. In 1996, he completed the first of his two Ironman Canada Triathlons. His medical oncologist, Dr. Jack Chritchley said, "Wally was dying and had less than a year to live when I began his treatment for his cancer in March of 1994. I've never seen anyone who was that sick come back less than two years later to finish anything as daunting and physically demanding as the Ironman". His first book, From Hodgkin's To Ironman, chronicling his training and the uncertainty of this enormous undertaking is in its third printing.

In 1999, Wally was awarded the prestigious Charlie Edward Award by the Radio-Television News Directors Association of Canada for excellence in news reporting.

He's addressed hundreds of international motivational and inspirational events and was a keynote speaker at the 2001 Canadian Student Leadership Conference in Aylmer, Quebec. He's also spoken in Washington State and Hawaii. As well he's an author, songwriter, and a member of SOCAN (Society of Composers and Publishers Canada) and in 2005 at the age of 58, he started his first rock band called Phoenix. He says, "that's an appropriate name because I've risen from the ashes of despair and uncertainty to embrace life like never before. The only one stopping me from achieving anything I want to is me Ð and I'm getting the hell outa my way".