
An editor at Simon & Schuster became interested in the updates about Cowan's health and their relationship that Ausiello posted on his Facebook page.


The memoir is based on journalist Michael Ausiello's fourteen-year relationship with Kit Cowan, and the latter's eleven-month battle with aggressive neuroendocrine cancer. Upon its release, the book was generally well received by critics, who praised its humor and poignancy. The book is based on Ausiello's relationship with Kit Cowan, who battled with aggressive neuroendocrine cancer. Spoiler Alert: The Hero Dies is a 2017 memoir by Michael Ausiello about his marriage to Kit Cowan, who died of terminal cancer in 2015.
