The International Firebird Book Awards celebrate outstanding authors and publishers globally, featuring a diverse range of genres. Submissions are evaluated by a panel of 29 judges, with each entry reviewed by two judges using consistent criteria. Only those with the highest scores win the prestigious Firebird Award, recognizing exceptional talent in the literary community.  

One of the winning entries came from Hillsboro, Oregon, author Lis Richardson, whose book is titled The Logistics of Survival: A Breast Cancer Survivor’s Guide to Self-Advocacy.  The genre is Nonfiction / Medical Memoir with a strong secondary category of Health & Wellness / Patient Self-Advocacy. The recently released book is currently available in paperback and Kindle versions on Amazon.com.  

Author Lis Richardson writes, “I wrote this book because the public narrative surrounding a cancer diagnosis is too often loud, chaotic, and fueled by sensationalized terror. When those words are spoken, you are suddenly thrust onto an unsteady plank with no operational manual for the shift, told to live fully while serving as the hyper-vigilant guard of your own mortality. I wanted to offer a quieter, steadier path—one built on clear reason, relentless research, and the calm power of self-advocacy. This isn't a passive diary of illness; it is a practical blueprint to help you step out of the clinical glare, look directly at the truth before you, and transform yourself from a passive passenger into the absolute commander of your medical mission.”  

Participating in the Firebird Book Awards goes beyond just submitting an entry. Founder Patricia J. Rullo shares that the entry fee is a tax-deductible donation that supports women and children facing homelessness.  By entering, an author aims for not only recognition but also to help transform shelters into welcoming homes filled with warmth and joy.