Pre-Order Final Book by Late Journalist, JAWS Member Alicia “Lisa” Shepard
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The final book written by the late journalist and longtime Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS) member, Alicia “Lisa” Shepard, is set to be published Feb. 5, 2026 and copies are now available for pre-order.
Shepard was an award-winning journalist, author, academic and advocate for ethical public journalism who died from complications of lung cancer in 2023, shortly before her 70th birthday. Her final book, The Luckiest Unlucky Couple: A Medical Love Story, is a memoir and late-in-life love story dedicated to the journey she and her husband, David Marsden, shared together as they each battled cancer at different times.
“Lisa wrote this to tell our story and help other cancer patients and families,” Marsden said.
Copies are now available for pre-order through Bloomsbury. Use THIS FLYER for a 35% discount. The book is also available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org.
The book will be celebrated with a private Washington, D.C. launch event Feb. 20, 2026. JAWS members who are interested in attending can email hello@jaws.org for details.
Shepard’s legacy lives on through the Alicia "Lisa" Cobb Shepard Legacy Fund, created by Shepard’s family. The Fund awarded fellowships to JAWS members in 2024 and 2025.
Alicia “Lisa” Shepard (1953 - 2023)
About The Alicia "Lisa" Cobb Shepard Legacy Foundation
This foundation honors the extraordinary life and career of Alicia “Lisa” Cobb Shepard who inspires us all to embrace every day with curiosity, courage, dignity, respect, passion, and a hefty dosage of “badassness.” To grab life by the horns and live it fully. To take smart risks, and not hesitate out of fear or convention. You can read a full tribute to Alicia written by JAWS member Michele Weldon here.
Memorial contributions in Lisa's honor may be made to:
Alicia "Lisa" Cobb Shepard Legacy Fund
The nonprofit recipients of this fund will have to excel in modeling one or more of the following Lisa-isms:
Working to right a wrong;
Chasing a good story which needs to be told even when it’s uncomfortable;
Providing resources and mentoring so those who are often forgotten can pursue their dreams; and
Supporting talented investigative journalists and media critics who are doing groundbreaking work.
You can read some of her work here.