T.O.I.L. (Triumph Over Innocence Lost)

This heartrending story shares one woman’s inspirational perseverance in the face of tragedy. Kathryn Muhammad, with coauthor April Braun, maps out the pain of childhood abuse by her stepfather, the stigma associated with being a runaway and survivor of suicide attempts, and an accident that caused the death of a child. But T.O.I.L. is not simply about loss; it is a moving memoir about empowerment, determination, and standing up to fight for one’s beliefs.

In a harrowing episode in 2010, NBC Dateline arrived undercover on Kathryn’s doorstep to get her account of how a two-year-old could have been left to perish while in the care of one of her preschools. Instead of demonizing Kathryn, NBC gave her a platform to tell her story as it became evident that she was not a demon or personally at fault. This cathartic life change recast Kathryn as an advocate for child safety. While T.O.I.L. carefully explores the pain and agonizing loss of this terrible moment, Kathryn’s narrative equally brings to light her wish to campaign to reintroduce legislation known as Haile’s Bill, which would require safety alarms in all preschool transport vehicles. T.O.I.L. has a clear message: even if you find yourself knocked down, you can get back up and start over stronger, just like Kathryn did. Sometimes the perceived end of it all can be a new beginning!