New Jersey is home to countless inspiring individuals, and among them is author and philanthropist Alesia Shute, who recently released her second book, “Everything’s Still Okay.” This powerful new work serves as a follow-up to her widely acclaimed first memoir, delving deeper into themes of self-belief, personal freedom, and the profound strength that comes from embracing personal choice. Shute’s journey is one of remarkable resilience, a testament to the human spirit’s ability to navigate adversity and emerge with a message of hope and empowerment, particularly for women.
Alesia’s story began in Philadelphia, where she was born into a hardworking family before growing up in the Northeast. Her early life took an unexpected turn at the tender age of seven, when a cancer diagnosis redirected her path and profoundly impacted her entire family. What followed were six major surgeries, procedures that had never before been tested on a child, coupled with numerous minor surgeries, countless hours of pain, and months spent in hospitals. This challenging start forced Alesia to grow up quickly, adapting to a life that was often sickly and felt inherently different from her peers. Her first memoir, “Everything is Okay,” beautifully chronicles this journey of survival, detailing not only her physical recovery but also her candid struggles through school, relationships, marriage, and pregnancy, all interspersed with humorous anecdotes from her adult life.
A Life Dedicated to Compassion and Community
Despite her early dreams of becoming a fashion model – a path her height ultimately deterred – Alesia harbored a natural compassion for people. Though her childhood illness steered her away from a career in nursing, her innate desire to help others found expression in a different, equally impactful way.
Amidst her many surgeries and treatments, Alesia met her husband, Cliff. Their twenty-five-year marriage has been a partnership both personally and professionally, as they’ve navigated the demanding world of nightclub and restaurant ownership. Balancing the intensity of their “crazy-all-night, sleep-all-day” work with family life, they’ve raised Cliff’s daughter, their son, and a host of beloved dogs. Now, with two grandchildren, Alesia finds boundless joy and love in her life.
Alesia’s commitment to giving back extends far beyond her personal story. She is a proud recipient of the “Good Neighbor Award” for her significant fundraising efforts towards a local playground, demonstrating her dedication to fostering positive community spaces. Both she and Cliff are active donors to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, with pediatric AIDS research being a cause particularly close to their hearts. For over three decades, they have leveraged their nightclubs to raise substantial funds, directly contributing to the expansion of research labs and supporting the breakthroughs spearheaded by leading scientist Dr. Steven Douglas. Their businesses have also hosted carnivals and auctions, providing vital financial assistance to families with sick children struggling with medical bills. Alesia dedicated a decade as president of the Timmy’s Regatta Foundation, and she and Cliff continue to contribute to the Ronald McDonald House in Camden, New Jersey, as well as various local charities that encourage neighborhood children to participate in sports. Collectively, Alesia and Cliff have generously donated close to one million dollars to these impactful causes.
“Everything’s Still Okay”: A New Chapter of Empowerment
Her latest book, “Everything’s Still Okay,” invites readers to explore the crucial elements of self-belief and personal freedom. It’s a testament to how past challenges can inform a stronger, more authentic future. As Alesia shares her experiences, she empowers readers, particularly women, to embrace their own journeys, make personal choices with confidence, and find their unique path to empowerment. Her work inspires us to recognize that even after navigating life’s most trying moments, everything can indeed still be okay.
To connect directly with Alesia Shute and learn more about her inspiring work, you can reach her at Alesia@EverythingsOkayBook.com. Her books, including “Everything’s Okay” and the illustrated “Everything’s Okay Round Table Comic,” are available for purchase online.
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