At age 46, world-class triathlete, dietitian, and mother, Karen Newman, was on her knees, begging for her life to end. But just when her eating disorders had once again warped her life into a shame-filled nightmare of secrets, a diagnosis of advanced breast cancer ignited a fire of courage and deepened her faith.

This gripping story reveals the incredible power words have—to shatter or empower us—and the astonishing potential that love has to heal. Karen inspired thousands as she continued training and competing in triathlons throughout her grueling cancer treatments, and was featured on the NBC Today show twice because of her remarkable change of heart and rousing message of hope.

Told with candid truth and humor, Karen’s touching memoir weaves the agonies of anorexia, bulimia, and cancer, with the thrill of young love, miraculous wins on the race course, and victory over disease. With the wisdom forged in the valleys of despair and on the peaks of triumph, Just Three Words captures the indomitable spirit of one brave woman who—against all odds—survives, triumphs and finds the purpose in it all. 

Karen Newman is an inspirational speaker, world record-breaking triathlete and survivor of two life-threatening diseases. Karen has been featured in numerous publications and shows, and has lectured all over the country. She has also received many awards, such as the Connecticut Sportswriter’s Association’s “Courage Award,” and American Cancer Society’s “Determination Champion” for her tireless charitable efforts.

Karen is a seven-time All-American triathlete and was the 2012 Silver Medalist and top American finisher at the Age Group Triathlon World Championships in Auckland, NZ. She followed in 2013 as a gold medalist for the United States in both triathlon and the 5k road race at the National Senior Games in Cleveland, OH, and then repeated with golds in both events at the Huntsman World Senior Games, while breaking the world record in the women’s triathlon there.

As a triathlon coach and Registered Dietitian with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition, Karen has had a long career educating and encouraging people in health and nutrition, as well as on the track. A University of Vermont alumnae, she married her college sweetheart, Peter, and together they have three amazing boys—Stetson, Chase, and Trent—who inspired her to survive and thrive.