Worthy Inspired to Release Powerful Novel Based
on the Real Life Events of
Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) February 18, 2016 — Worthy Inspired, an imprint of Worthy Publishing Group, announces a May 3, 2016, release date for The Sender: A Story About When Right Words Make All the Difference (9781617957321) by Kevin Elko and Bill Beausay. Based on the life-changing true story of Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano’s fight with cancer, The Sender blends creative storytelling and inspiration to communicate a powerful message of endurance, strength, and serving others. Early supporters of the book include New York Times best-selling author Andy Andrews, Coach Pagano, University of Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban, Carolina Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera, and NFL Hall of famer Chris Carter, with more coming in every day.

Several games into the 2012 NFL season, Coach Pagano was diagnosed with cancer and immediately relinquished his coaching duties to enter an onerous 90-day chemo protocol. The Colts, inspired by the plight of their severely ill leader, rallied and nearly made it to the Super Bowl.

Throughout his treatment, Coach Pagano was highly motivated by daily messages sent to him by renowned sports performance consultant, Kevin Elko, Ph.D. Every day of the entire 90-day chemotherapy treatment cycle, Elko sent his friend encouragement, stories, anecdotes, and motivation. Every day. Simple, funny, homespun, and touching in every way, these letters have gone unseen by the public. Now the contents of the letters are revealed and used to create an intriguing foundation for a fictional retelling of Pagano’s life-changing story.

The novel features high school football coach Charlie Cristo whose life is forever altered, not by the cancer he is battling, but by the letters he receives every day from an anonymous source, known only as “The Sender.” Through Elko and Beausay’s creative storytelling, readers uncover profound lessons of life and faith that challenge Charlie Cristo (just as they did Coach Pagano) to live his life serving and loving others no matter what trials he endures.

The May 3, 2016, release will see major national media efforts in the inspirational market, general market, and sports outlets, as well as motivational speaking events and strategic affinity group partnerships.

About Worthy Publishing: Worthy Publishing Group (www.worthypublishing.com) is a privately held, independent voice in inspirational publishing, based in Nashville, Tennessee. Worthy has four imprints: Worthy Books publishes a broad spectrum of genres, including current events, pop culture, biography, fiction, spiritual growth, and specialized Bibles;WorthyKids and its Ideals imprint create colorful, interactive children’s books, including VeggieTales and Berenstain Bears, for ages 2 to 8; Ellie Clair produces beautifully crafted journals, gifts and paper expressions; and Worthy Inspired publishes inspirational felt-need, personal growth, and devotional books.