Wrinkles Welcome: A Cancer Survivor's Memoir

by Gaby Laurent

At twenty-six, Gaby felt like her life was just beginning. Newly married and pregnant with her first child, she was on top of the world.

But that joy was shattered when a routine blood test led to a diagnosis of AML Leukemia-and the treatment she needed could harm her baby or save them both.

As a mother and cancer survivor, Gaby navigated the complexities of motherhood, adoption, and addiction, confronting the darkest depths of the human spirit.

Yet out of her walk through fire has come a message of hope and resilience.

More than a personal narrative, this memoir provides a roadmap for finding strength in adversity. Gaby's journey will help you discover hope in the darkest times and inspire you to live your life to the fullest.

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 4, 2024

Reviews

[Carly Brown Hambrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful testament of God’s faithfulness and provision. I finished this book feeling encouraged in suffering, marriage, motherhood, and faith! Powerful story and writing!!

[Meredith Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful & Inspiring

This is a must read memoir. Having known and loved Luci and as a result meeting Gaby during her journey I couldn’t miss the opportunity to read this book. However, what I didn’t expect was the inspiration that comes from it. Take the time to read this. You will not be disappointed and maybe even a little excited to welcome that inevitable graying hair and those pesky wrinkles.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook. Narration was good. I have mixed feelings about this book. The fact that Gaby was diagnosed by accident, was pregnant, got chemo and survived is truly unbelievable. That part of her story is incredible. My spouse was diagnosed with cancer and his treatment, side effects, meds, physical challenges, etc were so much more so unless she left out a lot of details, her experience (even lasting 7 months) seemed much calmer. I found her a bit hypocritical regarding the story about the birth mother’s stealing experience and I lost a bit of respect for Gaby in the way she chose to handle it. At about the 70% mark, story focused on her 2nd child who she adopted and that’s where the story took a nose dive for me. She didn’t research anything about opioid addicted children before agreeing to adopt him. And then she was surprised that people commented on how different the child looked from her. Sometimes she appeared and sounded slightly naive.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

"For my mother, who crossed an ocean to keep me safe."

This memoir is a testament to the power our Maker has given us through the love of our families.

Wrinkles Welcome is a triumphant celebration of joy and unconditional love running through generations of one family. Gaby shines a light on parents' loving guidance, a spouse's steadfast commitment, and compassion through every stage of human life. She offers gratitude, empathy, and hope as beautiful, vital sustenance for the human journey.

Through her account of growing up, falling in love, receiving a devastating diagnosis, and walking hand in hand with her family through the unknown, she dares readers to embrace the life we are given, wrinkles and all.

I devoured this book in one sitting. Thank you, Gaby, for sharing your family's story with us.

[Samantha Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot even begin to express how beautifully written this book is. I'm in awe of everything Gaby has experienced and yet has found hope and joy along the way. I followed her journey on her blog and socials, but feel like I couldn't grasp what was happening to her until I read this book. While I, luckily, have not experienced hardships comparable to her, I now have such a better outlook on the ones I have had or will have. I'm so thankful I read this book and can now welcome my wrinkles as well. I'm so proud of you, Gaby! From our time on the soccer field to now, you have always been a shining light of joy. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

[Nelda Lockamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am old and liberally creased with wrinkles, but it took a young woman not even half my age to make me see them for the blessings they are. Gaby’s story is an inspiration; having gone through chemo myself, I related well to her struggle with cancer but could not imagine the grit the author must have to wage that battle during her pregnancy. Her story is such a testament to her faith, good parenting, and marital devotion. I passed my copy on to my own wonderful daughter who not only can appreciate Gaby’s struggles, but who enjoys a poignant story well written with pathos and sprinkled with humor.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read ‘Wrinkles Welcome’ within 24 hours.
It is her journey of receiving a cancer diagnosis while pregnant and later navigating the world of adoption.
Gaby doesn’t sugarcoat her story, but also doesn’t play the victim. She writes at one point about trying to make the tastiest lemonade possible with the lemons she was given. That effervescent joy is felt through the book, even when detailing the lowest of lows.
I highly recommend this book to give yourself a little bit of sunshine and inspiration!

[Sarah Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book in two sittings. I have known Gaby since I was a very small child and reading this book brought tears to my eyes. Reading this as I currently go through health struggles of my own at a similar age as she was at the beginning of the book, it has taught me to try to take the good with the bad and to see life as a gift and not a hardship. 5/5 ⭐️

[Daniel Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The memoir of @gabylaurentwrites could be described as miraculous. And I concur. The writing is beautiful and inviting and will have you wiping your own tears even as you chuckle out loud. This is a story of hope and humanity and you should get your copy as soon as you can.

Thank you Gaby and Joseph for sharing your lives with us in this unforgettable work. ❤️ No matter what ❤️

[Brooke Fradd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding hope through cancer survivorship, the author takes us along as she recounts her story of illness, motherhood, and thriving on the other side of a cancer diagnosis.

I’m child-free, and my melanoma diagnosis/treatment looked far different from hers, but I still found so much of her book relatable. I highly recommend it for anyone walking a journey of uncertainty and fear.

[Rebecca Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Gaby

Gaby this was a balm to my soul. I connected with so many parts of this story and others left me speechless as to how far I have to go. This was beautifully written by an extremely beautiful human!

[Jaimie Hooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is emotional, hopeful, loving, facing fear and adding motherhood into the mix. Gaby beautifully illustrated her journey through a unique childhood to surviving cancer. It gives you the hope you need to take on another day.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed and I cried! This is a beautiful book with a lot of heart and a really interesting story! Gaby is vulnerable and kind to herself and her readers. Thanks for the gift of sharing your story!

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am older than the author (she is in her 30’s, 26 at diagnosis, and I am 60) and I have a different type of cancer, but I could relate to SO much of what she wrote. Excellent book. Read on Kindle.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful story of hope! Beautifully written memoir. Such an encouragement to enjoy today! Thank you for sharing your story!

[Shkhalliday · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected something different not sure why. As a cancer survivor I was interested to read her story and her outlook AC - after cancer.

[Meghan Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for sharing your story Gaby. Your perspective is so wise, we should all take a page out of your book.