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Rough Waters: From Surviving to Thriving with a Progressive Muscular Dystrophy
Competitive ParaSurfer Heather C. Markham is no stranger to rough waters.
At age thirty-four, Heather received a life-changing diagnosis: she had a progressive muscular dystrophy and would eventually need a wheelchair. Her walking days were going to end much sooner than she’d expected.
Despite her body’s betrayal, Heather fearlessly leaned into adventures—performing as a belly dancer, falling in love, becoming a ParaSurfer, winning Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky, and pursuing her lifelong passion for photography.
With humor and heartbreaking candor, Rough Waters chronicles Heather’s slow decline in mobility and her determination to live an extraordinary life—one full of laughter and joy, sand and salt water. Rough Waters is both an inspiring memoir and a courageous call for more empathy from medical professionals, care attendants, and anyone who knows and loves someone with a disability. Limits are only in your mind, Heather says, and nearly anything is possible with the right tools, help, and perseverance.
At age thirty-four, Heather received a life-changing diagnosis: she had a progressive muscular dystrophy and would eventually need a wheelchair. Her walking days were going to end much sooner than she’d expected.
Despite her body’s betrayal, Heather fearlessly leaned into adventures—performing as a belly dancer, falling in love, becoming a ParaSurfer, winning Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky, and pursuing her lifelong passion for photography.
With humor and heartbreaking candor, Rough Waters chronicles Heather’s slow decline in mobility and her determination to live an extraordinary life—one full of laughter and joy, sand and salt water. Rough Waters is both an inspiring memoir and a courageous call for more empathy from medical professionals, care attendants, and anyone who knows and loves someone with a disability. Limits are only in your mind, Heather says, and nearly anything is possible with the right tools, help, and perseverance.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 9, 2024
📚🥰 Book Review: "Rough Waters: From Surviving to Thriving with a Progressive Muscular Dystrophy"
by
Heather C. Markham 📚🥰
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Dive into the captivating memoir of Heather C. Markham, a remarkable journey chronicling her resilience, triumphs, and unyielding spirit in the face of adversity. Heather's story begins with a life-altering diagnosis of progressive muscular dystrophy at the age of thirty-four, forever altering the trajectory of her life. Yet, instead of allowing her diagnosis to define her, Heather embarks on an extraordinary quest to embrace life's adventures to the fullest.
👉Heather's narrative is a tapestry woven with courage, humor, and heartbreaking candor. With each page, readers are transported into her world, where she fearlessly navigates the challenges of her condition while refusing to let it dampen her zest for life. From her exhilarating experiences as a ParaSurfer to her pursuit of passion in photography, Heather's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the resilience of the human spirit.
👉What sets "Rough Waters" apart is Heather's ability to blend vulnerability with strength, offering readers a raw and authentic glimpse into her reality. Her unwavering determination to live life on her own terms serves as an inspiration to all who encounter her story. Moreover, Heather's advocacy for greater empathy and understanding towards individuals with disabilities resonates deeply, challenging societal perceptions and fostering a more inclusive world.
👉Through laughter and tears, Heather invites readers to accompany her on a journey of self-discovery, reminding us all of the beauty and fragility of life. "Rough Waters" is not simply a memoir; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a celebration of the limitless possibilities that exist when we dare to embrace life with open arms.
👉 "Rough Waters" is a testament to the indomitable strength that resides within us all, a reminder that even in the midst of life's storms, we can find solace and joy in the journey.
Happy reading 😊😊
#bookreview
by
Heather C. Markham 📚🥰
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Dive into the captivating memoir of Heather C. Markham, a remarkable journey chronicling her resilience, triumphs, and unyielding spirit in the face of adversity. Heather's story begins with a life-altering diagnosis of progressive muscular dystrophy at the age of thirty-four, forever altering the trajectory of her life. Yet, instead of allowing her diagnosis to define her, Heather embarks on an extraordinary quest to embrace life's adventures to the fullest.
👉Heather's narrative is a tapestry woven with courage, humor, and heartbreaking candor. With each page, readers are transported into her world, where she fearlessly navigates the challenges of her condition while refusing to let it dampen her zest for life. From her exhilarating experiences as a ParaSurfer to her pursuit of passion in photography, Heather's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the resilience of the human spirit.
👉What sets "Rough Waters" apart is Heather's ability to blend vulnerability with strength, offering readers a raw and authentic glimpse into her reality. Her unwavering determination to live life on her own terms serves as an inspiration to all who encounter her story. Moreover, Heather's advocacy for greater empathy and understanding towards individuals with disabilities resonates deeply, challenging societal perceptions and fostering a more inclusive world.
👉Through laughter and tears, Heather invites readers to accompany her on a journey of self-discovery, reminding us all of the beauty and fragility of life. "Rough Waters" is not simply a memoir; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a celebration of the limitless possibilities that exist when we dare to embrace life with open arms.
👉 "Rough Waters" is a testament to the indomitable strength that resides within us all, a reminder that even in the midst of life's storms, we can find solace and joy in the journey.
Happy reading 😊😊
#bookreview
July 11, 2024
𝕭𝖔𝖔𝖐 𝕽𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖊𝖜 •
In Rough Waters, Heather C. Markham masterfully weaves a poignant and inspiring narrative that redefines the boundaries of resilience and determination. With unflinching candor, Heather chronicles her journey with progressive muscular dystrophy, a diagnosis that would have shattered the resolve of many. Instead, she chose to defy the odds, embracing life with unwavering passion and humor.
Through her story, Heather shatters the stereotypes surrounding disability, showcasing a life that is anything but limited. With a fierce determination, she pursues her dreams, from the thrill of ParaSurfing to the elegance of belly dancing. Her triumphs are a testament to the power of the human spirit, a reminder that our potential is only constrained by our own perceptions.
Heather's writing is both heartbreaking and humorous, rendering her experiences with unflinching honesty. Her narrative is a powerful call to action, urging medical professionals, caregivers, and loved ones to embrace empathy and understanding. By sharing her struggles and triumphs, Heather humanizes the disability experience, challenging us to reevaluate our assumptions and biases.
Rough Waters is more than a memoir - it's a beacon of hope and inspiration. Heather's story is a reminder that our limits are, indeed, only in our minds. With the right support, tools, and perseverance, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience, a testament to the transformative power of resilience and determination. Heather's courage and spirit will leave an indelible mark on your heart, inspiring you to embrace life's rough waters with courage, grace, and humor.
In Rough Waters, Heather C. Markham masterfully weaves a poignant and inspiring narrative that redefines the boundaries of resilience and determination. With unflinching candor, Heather chronicles her journey with progressive muscular dystrophy, a diagnosis that would have shattered the resolve of many. Instead, she chose to defy the odds, embracing life with unwavering passion and humor.
Through her story, Heather shatters the stereotypes surrounding disability, showcasing a life that is anything but limited. With a fierce determination, she pursues her dreams, from the thrill of ParaSurfing to the elegance of belly dancing. Her triumphs are a testament to the power of the human spirit, a reminder that our potential is only constrained by our own perceptions.
Heather's writing is both heartbreaking and humorous, rendering her experiences with unflinching honesty. Her narrative is a powerful call to action, urging medical professionals, caregivers, and loved ones to embrace empathy and understanding. By sharing her struggles and triumphs, Heather humanizes the disability experience, challenging us to reevaluate our assumptions and biases.
Rough Waters is more than a memoir - it's a beacon of hope and inspiration. Heather's story is a reminder that our limits are, indeed, only in our minds. With the right support, tools, and perseverance, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience, a testament to the transformative power of resilience and determination. Heather's courage and spirit will leave an indelible mark on your heart, inspiring you to embrace life's rough waters with courage, grace, and humor.
May 21, 2024
Rough Waters is a powerful memoir that navigates the challenges and triumphs of living with a progressive muscular dystrophy. Heather Markham's story begins with the life-altering diagnosis at 34, a stark reminder of the future limitations on her mobility. Yet, the book transcends a mere chronicle of decline. It's a testament to Heather's unwavering spirit and her refusal to let her condition define her.
Heather dives headfirst into experiences both familiar and unexpected. Belly dancing, falling in love, and competitive ParaSurfing showcase her zest for life and her determination to embrace new adventures. Earning the title of Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky highlights her advocacy for the disability community.
The memoir doesn't shy away from the realities of the disease. Heather describes her slow decline with honesty and vulnerability. But the raw emotion is balanced with humor, making the journey relatable and even inspiring. Heather's message is clear: limitations are often self-imposed, and with the right support system and a positive attitude, a fulfilling life is absolutely achievable.
Rough Waters extends beyond Heather's personal story. It's a call for empathy from medical professionals and caregivers, urging them to see the individual beyond the disability. This book is a must-read for anyone facing adversity, offering a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder to live life to the fullest.
Heather dives headfirst into experiences both familiar and unexpected. Belly dancing, falling in love, and competitive ParaSurfing showcase her zest for life and her determination to embrace new adventures. Earning the title of Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky highlights her advocacy for the disability community.
The memoir doesn't shy away from the realities of the disease. Heather describes her slow decline with honesty and vulnerability. But the raw emotion is balanced with humor, making the journey relatable and even inspiring. Heather's message is clear: limitations are often self-imposed, and with the right support system and a positive attitude, a fulfilling life is absolutely achievable.
Rough Waters extends beyond Heather's personal story. It's a call for empathy from medical professionals and caregivers, urging them to see the individual beyond the disability. This book is a must-read for anyone facing adversity, offering a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder to live life to the fullest.
July 15, 2023
Thank you to PR By the Book and the author, Heather C. Markham for sending me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I can't state just how honored and appreciative I am that I was given the chance to read this memoir and share it with my audience.
Rough Waters: From Surviving to Thriving with a Progressive Muscular Dystrophy is a funny, touching, and insightful look at Markham's diagnosis of LGMD and the following years as she learned to adapt and thrive. So much of her experiences and thoughts resonated with me and I felt so seen. But even more than that there were lessons that the author has learned that I myself have been fighting against, that I found so important for myself to reflect upon.
As someone who has a form of Muscular Dystrophy myself I am all familiar with the way the world views disabled people, especially disabled women and reading this book felt like an auntie sharing her experiences and advice with me. Like I said in my review of Sitting Pretty by Rebekkah Taussig, there is something so beyond comforting and soothing about hearing the stories from other disabled people. I can only compare it to how Markham talks about the LRO events; being around someone who inherently knows your experiences and doesn't need to explain everything, someone who just knows and better yet, understands is beyond invaluable.
Rough Waters: From Surviving to Thriving with a Progressive Muscular Dystrophy is a funny, touching, and insightful look at Markham's diagnosis of LGMD and the following years as she learned to adapt and thrive. So much of her experiences and thoughts resonated with me and I felt so seen. But even more than that there were lessons that the author has learned that I myself have been fighting against, that I found so important for myself to reflect upon.
As someone who has a form of Muscular Dystrophy myself I am all familiar with the way the world views disabled people, especially disabled women and reading this book felt like an auntie sharing her experiences and advice with me. Like I said in my review of Sitting Pretty by Rebekkah Taussig, there is something so beyond comforting and soothing about hearing the stories from other disabled people. I can only compare it to how Markham talks about the LRO events; being around someone who inherently knows your experiences and doesn't need to explain everything, someone who just knows and better yet, understands is beyond invaluable.
December 20, 2023
Heather C. Markham has muscular dystrophy, but for the longest time, she struggled for the right treatment as her prognosis was not correct or her doctors didn't believe her. While muscular dystrophy cannot be treated, it was a relief to know what to call her ailments.
Throughout the book, you read about the struggles Heather has dealt with. Not just with the wrong prognosis, but also with her day-to-day lifestyle. At a certain point, her body would give out and she would fall on the floor. You learn how she is.
While having a difficult time with her body, she was able to persevere and venture into areas such as in becoming a ParaSurfer. Throughout her life, she has experienced a lot and found her passion in photography.
I really enjoyed reading this memoir. It was really difficult to read that doctors didn't believe her and it took her awhile to get the right prognosis to her condition. It was inspiring to read that even though her body had a limit, her mind didn't. After reading about Heather's falls and the situations it created for her, it was a great reminder not to judge someone as you never know what they are going through. Instead of judging or coming up with your own conclusions, helping them would be a better action to take.
Throughout the book, you read about the struggles Heather has dealt with. Not just with the wrong prognosis, but also with her day-to-day lifestyle. At a certain point, her body would give out and she would fall on the floor. You learn how she is.
While having a difficult time with her body, she was able to persevere and venture into areas such as in becoming a ParaSurfer. Throughout her life, she has experienced a lot and found her passion in photography.
I really enjoyed reading this memoir. It was really difficult to read that doctors didn't believe her and it took her awhile to get the right prognosis to her condition. It was inspiring to read that even though her body had a limit, her mind didn't. After reading about Heather's falls and the situations it created for her, it was a great reminder not to judge someone as you never know what they are going through. Instead of judging or coming up with your own conclusions, helping them would be a better action to take.
July 24, 2023
Life is all about choices, isn’t it? Meet an extraordinary woman who chose to make the best of a bad situation. Not only does the author of this true story have a fabulous attitude, but the ability to put an inspirational spin on an heart-wrenching story. I appreciate her vulnerability as she let us ride the waves with her. With sprinkles of humor, her courage and resolve continue as the story and disease progresses. It’s an honest and bold testimony, certainly not all sunshine and roses. Heather’s strength of character is prevalent throughout the story and is indeed an inspiration to us all. This story will stay with my long after the last page. Well done, Heather, well done.
July 16, 2023
I waited 4 years for this book from preorder to copy in my hands, and it was worth it. Heather's writing is honest and vulnerable in the best way. Her storytelling made me laugh and cry (more than once). She had me reading through my lunch breaks and well past bedtime, which is the mark of a good book, right? Heather's is the story of the heartache, joy, fear, and love that define the human experience. She leaves us with lessons in grace, grit, humility and resilience. We should all aspire to live life as fully and boldly as Heather.
July 21, 2023
Human, imperfect, joyful
Read this book for one human's set of experiences and insights about this society, disability, and the continued choices we continue to make (or not) regardless of who we are.
I am a little bit better, more aware, and brave having exposed myself to this story.
*I know Heather IRL when she joined one of my classes after an introduction by a mutual.
Read this book for one human's set of experiences and insights about this society, disability, and the continued choices we continue to make (or not) regardless of who we are.
I am a little bit better, more aware, and brave having exposed myself to this story.
*I know Heather IRL when she joined one of my classes after an introduction by a mutual.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews