Online for Authors Episode 7-2-24

​Embracing Life: My Disability Journey with Author Jennifer Gasner

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Jennifer Gasner, author of the book, My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis. Jennifer is a member of the San Diego Memoir Writers Association, and her writing has been published in Shaking the Tree, volumes 3 and 4. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, movies, and traveling. She lives with her boyfriend Gregory and their dog. My Unexpected Life is her first book.

Listen to Audio Version

Watch Video Version

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Jennifer Gasner, author of the memoir My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis. Jennifer shares her powerful story of being diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia, a rare genetic disease, at the age of 17 in 1990. Her journey from fear and denial to eventual acceptance and embracing life with a disability is both eye-opening and inspiring.

In our conversation, Jennifer candidly discusses:

• Her initial reaction to the diagnosis and the challenges of coming to terms with it
• Turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism and the realization that it only made things worse
• The pivotal moment of getting a wheelchair and the unexpected freedom it provided
• Navigating ableism and lack of accommodations in school and work environments
• Redefining disability as another aspect of diversity that should be included in the conversation
• Her eclectic music tastes (she's a huge 80s and 90s fan!) and dreams of being a DJ
• Advice for others recently diagnosed and their families on finding value beyond disability

Jennifer's story sheds light on the everyday barriers and attitudes those with disabilities face, but also the incredible resilience, adaptability and passion for life they possess. Her journey will make you rethink your own assumptions and inspire you to be a better ally in making our world more accessible and inclusive.

I highly recommend giving the full episode a listen and checking out Jennifer's book My Unexpected Life. It's a poignant, unfiltered look at life with a disability that will open your mind and touch your heart. And if you sign up for Jennifer's email list, you'll get exclusive access to the 80s/90s playlist she put together to accompany the book!

Purchase the paperback.
Purchase the ebook.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.