WE CHOOSE TO BE MORE THAN OUR DIAGNOSES

by Nicole Angai-Galindo, Sharon Birn, Jenlyn Ford

This anthology features the stories of 16 individuals who live with various diagnoses. Among them are ADHD, CPTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Paraplegia, Lupus, Lyme Disease, Bipolar II Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Depressive/Anxiety Disorder, Diabetes I, Neurodivergence, Chronic Illness/Pain, either from birth or as a result of a life-changing accident. The essence of these stories is to show that it is possible to thrive, and not just survive, when we "Choose to be more." As a group, we have grown close through this project and support each other so that life doesn't "live" us. We choose the journey we take. We decide how to "live" our lives. You can, too!

212 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2025

Reviews

[Jerry Ryan]

We Choose To Be More Than Our Diagnoses is a heartfelt and empowering collection of 16 true stories from people living with a wide range of diagnoses—ADHD, PTSD, Lupus, Bipolar II, Quadriplegia, Diabetes, and more. Each contributor shares their unique journey of resilience, growth, and the decision to live fully beyond the labels they've been given.

What makes this anthology stand out is its honesty and hope. These stories don’t sugarcoat the struggles, but they also don’t stay stuck in them. The central theme—we choose how to live—comes through clearly and powerfully.

If you’re looking for a book that uplifts, inspires, and reminds you that you are more than your circumstances, this is it.

Rating: 5 STARS
Raw, real, and refreshingly hopeful.

[Lynn Hallbrooks]

This anthology resonated with me on different levels. On one level, as a former Health Information Management Certified Coding Specialist, I understood the diagnoses being described. As a human, I felt what the co-authors were conveying.

I loved how each author's chapter was written from their perspective in their unique way. At the same time, the stories blended well with one another.

If you've ever been diagnosed with a life-altering condition, you'd probably relate to the co-authors. If you've ever wondered how to relate to a family member who has a life-altering condition, then this book might be the door to that understanding.

[William M.]

Reading this felt like being let in on something deeply personal and powerful. You don’t have to have a diagnosis to be moved by this anyone who’s ever felt held back by something will get it. It’s honest, raw, and full of life.