Singer LA Virgil-Maldonado has detailed her ten-year battle with brain cancer and her spiritual journey in a new book.“My Book Is My Story ­– Surrendering My Journey to the Holy Spirit” is written in the form of a stream-of-consciousness journal and gives her thoughts on various events, big and small. Sections have titles such as “Wake Up and Get Your Praise On”, “Reorganising Spirit with Mind” and “Keep Hope Alive is More Than a Motto”.Ms Virgil-Maldonado first gained notoriety in Bermuda as a singer and journalist. She was diagnosed with a rare type of brain tumour in 1999. Unfortunately, surgeons were unable to reach two percent of the tumour. Harsh medications used to control the remaining tumour led to breast cancer, lupus and osteoporosis, among other health problems.Never one to let life get her down, Ms Virgil-Maldonado was determined to continue with her career. She moved to Philadelphia a few years ago to start her first record label, Hisrecords Int’l Inc. The company later became His Polishing and then His Multimedia. They have done a lot of song placements and work for films and commercials.She said her friends in the music industry sometimes call her the “Mother Teresa of Bermuda music” because she tries so hard to help people starting out in the industry. She also does a television programme called ‘The Lightswitch’ that airs on the Comcast and Verizon channels.In 2009 she made the controversial decision to give up treatment and instead turn to spirituality for healing. Since then the tumour has grown, but she holds on to her faith to stay optimistic.In one section of the book she says: “I told my hubby this morning that the stage I’m going through in my life right now is confronting all of the fears. My fears of losing my integrity, fears of rejection and fears of abandonment. However, it’s like my Bishop preaches and teaches (you have to decide) which side of the comma you want to live on.”Ms Virgil-Maldonado told The Royal Gazette: “I wanted to tell my story. I was taking a tape recorder around and speaking into it for awhile. My mother said I sounded like I was preaching. Then I decided to just write it all down. In the end I didn’t really use the tapes.”In an earlier interview she said she thought God was letting her “stay around” to provide hope to other people.She said she is not fanatical but realistic.“I talk to God like I’m talking with you and believe,” she said. “So no matter what you may be facing turn to that which lies within you. For me I’m a keep it real Christian but I have clients that are Buddhist, Muslim and Spiritual Healers via the ancient Indian practice of Kirtan (a form of devotional chanting). All of my clients have seen my faith in action. The greatest bond we share through are lives and music is love.”“My Book is My Story” can be purchased on Amazon.com or by contacting Ms Virgil-Maldonado at lavirgil07@yahoo.com .