Massachusetts’ former first lady, Ann Romney, captivated an audience Sunday afternoon at Barnes & Noble at Lake Sumter Landing.
As Romney stood before the audience, Barnes & Noble manager Becky Boldizar offered an introduction of the woman best known as Mrs. Mitt Romney.
A New York Times bestselling author of three books, Romney will donate proceeds from the book to fund neurological disease research.
Romney explained what prompted her to write, “In This Together.” During her husband’s campaign travels, the people who she met along the way shared their struggles and offered her support inspired her to share her own story, she said.
“I thought of them as I wrote this book. I did it to give people hope,” Romney said.
Romney read an excerpt from the book about her struggle with Multiple Sclerosis during her preparation for the 2002 Winter Olympics torch relay. Defying the odds, Romney worked hard to overcome the disease’s grip over her as she ran on to pass the torch, with her family by her side.
After the reading, people from the crowd were allowed to ask questions. Romney discussed her remission during the 2012 elections, how she keeps track of all her children via social media, and the change in her diet due to her disease.
The book signing then took place after the Q&A. Many of the people who lined up have loved ones who suffer from MS; others were huge supporters of the Romney family.
“We’re from Massachusetts and are big fans of the Romney family,” said Monique and Ron Robitaille of the Village of Hillsborough.
Wishing that Mitt Romney would again pursue the presidency, Laura and Raul Bezos, also of the Village of Hillsborough also expressed their admiration.
“They’re just phenomenal,” said Laura Bezos. “Such selfless people.”
Linda Underdonk of the Village of Woodbury purchased three copies of the book: one for her neighbor, a copy for her friend who had just turned 81, and a book for herself to enjoy.
