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Life Support: Surviving Guillain-Barre Syndrome - A Mother's Story of Hope and Recovery
Weeks after giving birth, Holly Frances went from being a healthy 26-year-old new mom to paralyzed and on life support—in less than 72 hours. Diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder called Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Holly was trapped in her own body, unable to move, speak, or hold her newborn daughter.
Life Support tells the story of how Holly struggled to overcome the despair, hopelessness and pain of recovery, to regain her health and get back to being a mother to her daughter.
Both a memoir and a resource guide, this is the true story of how Holly found purpose in the 126 days spent in hospital. A journey of strength, determination and hope, Holly's story reminds us that life doesn’t always go as planned, sometimes, in the most dire and challenging ways, it turns out better.
This book is the go-to resource for those living with GBS and other autoimmune illnesses in need of hope, encouragement, and helpful tips; and for caregivers, friends, and medical professionals looking for insight on how to care and support someone dealing with the challenges of these devastating illnesses.
Holly’s recovery videos on YouTube have inspired many with her fighting spirit and have over 20 million views from around the world. With the addition of new chapters and years passed, Life Support replaces Holly’s first book, Happily Ever After: My Journey with Guillain-Barre Syndrome and How I Got My Life Back.
Life Support tells the story of how Holly struggled to overcome the despair, hopelessness and pain of recovery, to regain her health and get back to being a mother to her daughter.
Both a memoir and a resource guide, this is the true story of how Holly found purpose in the 126 days spent in hospital. A journey of strength, determination and hope, Holly's story reminds us that life doesn’t always go as planned, sometimes, in the most dire and challenging ways, it turns out better.
This book is the go-to resource for those living with GBS and other autoimmune illnesses in need of hope, encouragement, and helpful tips; and for caregivers, friends, and medical professionals looking for insight on how to care and support someone dealing with the challenges of these devastating illnesses.
Holly’s recovery videos on YouTube have inspired many with her fighting spirit and have over 20 million views from around the world. With the addition of new chapters and years passed, Life Support replaces Holly’s first book, Happily Ever After: My Journey with Guillain-Barre Syndrome and How I Got My Life Back.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2023
709 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Holly Frances
4 books11 followersHolly Frances is a published author, inspirational speaker, Guillain-Barre Syndrome survivor and advocate, and certified personal trainer. She is also a mom in a blended family of six (including pup Benji) and the face behind Holly After GBS on social media, where her recovery videos have inspired millions of people around the world. Holly’s background is in Human Resources but her passion is in GBS advocacy and fitness. When she isn’t writing and connecting with others on social media, she can be found hanging with family and friends, binge-watching documentaries, at the gym, or walking her dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 15, 2025
I had a love one with GBS, they did not have the same outcome as Holly. I thought it was a good read, i just didnt like how the chapters jumped around.
December 12, 2022
Life Support is not only poignant, emotional, and at times absolutely heart wrenching, but it is also full of resilience, determination, perseverance and most importantly, love. Holly's journey brings you on a rollercoaster of emotions - a new mom, diagnosed with a rare disorder that most health care professionals have never heard of, let alone seen. Her writing allows readers into the mind of someone "trapped" in their own body, and the emotional ups and downs that inevitably comes with being diagnosed with a rare disease.
This book is a must read for not only GBS patients, survivors, their caregivers, but more importantly health care workers from all walks of life. Not only will you find out more about GBS as a disease, you will discover how it truly feels from a patient perspective. Holly's story is one of the most inspiring I have read in years. It is a book that everyone could truly enjoy and take something from. Highly recommend.
This book is a must read for not only GBS patients, survivors, their caregivers, but more importantly health care workers from all walks of life. Not only will you find out more about GBS as a disease, you will discover how it truly feels from a patient perspective. Holly's story is one of the most inspiring I have read in years. It is a book that everyone could truly enjoy and take something from. Highly recommend.
October 4, 2023
What an incredible journey that Holly and her family took with GBS. Holly was very clear with all the stages she went through with this disease. Chapters blended from the past to current and back again. To me this really made the book fluid and allowed Hope to shine through.
December 13, 2022
One of the best medical memoirs I've read.
I love reading medical memoirs. This is the first time I've read a book about someone having Guillain-Barre Syndrome. A very interesting book, it was well-written, and a page turner.
Holly Frances’ life was going just as she'd planned it-career, marriage, a new baby. But then everything changed, and she was stricken by this terrible debilitating illness. Her life as she knew it was on hold. The author’s emotional journey details the milestones in her recovery, however tiny, and the setbacks.
This is a wild ride of a book. An incredible story of strength and survival, brilliantly told. It absolutely blew me away. Not just about when she was so ill-about her family life, early life etc. interwoven. Very interesting, emotional, moving, and ultimately incredibly inspiring and uplifting.
I love reading medical memoirs. This is the first time I've read a book about someone having Guillain-Barre Syndrome. A very interesting book, it was well-written, and a page turner.
Holly Frances’ life was going just as she'd planned it-career, marriage, a new baby. But then everything changed, and she was stricken by this terrible debilitating illness. Her life as she knew it was on hold. The author’s emotional journey details the milestones in her recovery, however tiny, and the setbacks.
This is a wild ride of a book. An incredible story of strength and survival, brilliantly told. It absolutely blew me away. Not just about when she was so ill-about her family life, early life etc. interwoven. Very interesting, emotional, moving, and ultimately incredibly inspiring and uplifting.
April 17, 2024
An excellent example of love, strength and determination.
Reading Life Support and following Holly's journey as she fought to stay alive and later to recover with her family by her side was emotional and heartwrenching. The resilience and determination that she showed, as did her whole family, was inspiring. A very interesting and moving book.
Reading Life Support and following Holly's journey as she fought to stay alive and later to recover with her family by her side was emotional and heartwrenching. The resilience and determination that she showed, as did her whole family, was inspiring. A very interesting and moving book.
January 23, 2023
This memoir is a valuable first hand account of what Holly experienced living through and surviving Guillain Barre Syndrome. I believe that all healthcare workers, sufferers, family and carers of patients that contract this horrible disease could benefit from reading this book. I have always "enjoyed" books that are medical-related and I had heard of Guillain Barre syndrome but didn't really know anything about it so I have learned so much. Having had Shingles, which also effects the nerves and is terribly painful, I can only imagine that this is a thousand times worse. Being a Canadian I'm very proud of our healthcare system and the wonderful treatment that Holly received and it was heartwarming to read of the wonderful support the she had from family and friends. It is gratifying to know now that Holly has become an educator in this field and continues to help and encourage patients and that with treatment there is hope and healing from this rare disease.
April 6, 2024
I loved this book so much! I’m a physical therapist and as someone who has worked with patients who have GBS, this book really touched me and taught me so much. Holly is such an inspiring and motivating person and her story is so beautiful. Without a doubt her story has helped me be a better PT. This book is well written — highly recommend!
May 29, 2024
Incredible
I had this book for so long I forgot what it was about, so glad I choose to read. I had no idea what GBS was, such a heart wrenching story but so inspiring to see the courage, hope and determination from Holly. Life can change in the blink of an eye, enjoy every moment!
I had this book for so long I forgot what it was about, so glad I choose to read. I had no idea what GBS was, such a heart wrenching story but so inspiring to see the courage, hope and determination from Holly. Life can change in the blink of an eye, enjoy every moment!
March 28, 2023
Read this book!!!!!!
January 7, 2023
Holly's battle with Guillain-Barre was eye-opening for me. As a healthcare professional I had vaguely heard of Guillain-Barre Syndrome but had no idea of the severity and impact of this illness on the people it directly effects and their families. By the first chapter of this book I was hooked. It made me emotional to read because I could visualize myself in Holly's position- and how much an illness like this could take away your entire life so fast, not to mention her ability to care for her newborn baby girl. It made me more aware of the impact health professionals have on the lives of the patients they are caring for and how much our compassion and care can mean to someone whose life has been turned upside down. Although Holly's life changed in almost the blink of an eye to something I can only imagine was like a living hell, this story is not just about that. It is the story of her overcoming this illness, learning to walk, talk, eat, and even care for her baby girl again. It is a story not only for people who may be facing a health challenge (or their families) but a book for anyone who needs an uplifting story of overcoming any obstacle in life. Holly has done an amazing job portraying all the emotions and thoughts running through her head during this difficult time in her life, and I finished the entire book in about 3 days because I could just not put it down!
June 18, 2023
From Traumatic Disease to Triumphant Survivor
Holly was a young married mother to a newborn baby girl, Casey when she noticed some slight but odd tingling and numbness in her finger one night. Within hours she found herself asking her husband to bring her to the emergency room. He gathered their infant and they drove Holly there, dropping her off before heading home with the baby to catch a bit more sleep. Holly would call -- they were sure it would just take a few hours, and then they would pick her back up and drive home. Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way! Before Holly knew it she was admitted and tests were run, her weakness progressing. She had Guilian Barre Syndrome and ended up totally dependent on a ventilator, medical professionals and her family for her every need. She could not be alone, she couldn't breathe alone much less be a wife and the mommy she longed to be. She experienced pain so excruciating she needed narcotics to bear it, loss of dignity although her caregivers tried to be as respectful and discrete as possible, severe nausea, vomiting, anxiety and as one might expect, emotional trauma and grief. All seemed lost. And then she fought her way THROUGH!
This book is captivating from beginning all the way through. I found myself thankful I've never had this illness (I wonder if it is somehow connected to A.L.S a.k.a. Lou Gehrig's Disease) and then actually felt a twinge of anxiety myself "What if it happens to me?" Although I am fortunate no one close to me has had it, I remember an older lady at a job I once had came down with it and most of us, I dare say, had no idea what she was going through. Some of us younger more naive employees thought she'd be back in perhaps 2 or 3 weeks at most. Then we were informed she was paralyzed. When she returned it was perhaps 3 months later and she was walking but had lost weight she didn't need to lose and worked very part time a day a week and then added a half day as her strength built. Now I have a MUCH better idea of what she may have faced. How scary!
Over all, I found the book to be very interesting and informative and I think that every hospital library and every public library and every rehab center needs a few copies.
Holly was a young married mother to a newborn baby girl, Casey when she noticed some slight but odd tingling and numbness in her finger one night. Within hours she found herself asking her husband to bring her to the emergency room. He gathered their infant and they drove Holly there, dropping her off before heading home with the baby to catch a bit more sleep. Holly would call -- they were sure it would just take a few hours, and then they would pick her back up and drive home. Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way! Before Holly knew it she was admitted and tests were run, her weakness progressing. She had Guilian Barre Syndrome and ended up totally dependent on a ventilator, medical professionals and her family for her every need. She could not be alone, she couldn't breathe alone much less be a wife and the mommy she longed to be. She experienced pain so excruciating she needed narcotics to bear it, loss of dignity although her caregivers tried to be as respectful and discrete as possible, severe nausea, vomiting, anxiety and as one might expect, emotional trauma and grief. All seemed lost. And then she fought her way THROUGH!
This book is captivating from beginning all the way through. I found myself thankful I've never had this illness (I wonder if it is somehow connected to A.L.S a.k.a. Lou Gehrig's Disease) and then actually felt a twinge of anxiety myself "What if it happens to me?" Although I am fortunate no one close to me has had it, I remember an older lady at a job I once had came down with it and most of us, I dare say, had no idea what she was going through. Some of us younger more naive employees thought she'd be back in perhaps 2 or 3 weeks at most. Then we were informed she was paralyzed. When she returned it was perhaps 3 months later and she was walking but had lost weight she didn't need to lose and worked very part time a day a week and then added a half day as her strength built. Now I have a MUCH better idea of what she may have faced. How scary!
Over all, I found the book to be very interesting and informative and I think that every hospital library and every public library and every rehab center needs a few copies.
March 31, 2023
Such an incredible story of hope, determination and perseverance! My daughter was 2.5 years old when she was diagnosed with GBS, and Hollys original YouTube video was the first thing that popped up on my google search after we heard the diagnosis. We couldn’t even pronounce this rare disease in the beginning! Hollys video gave us hope for our daughter, and while we’re here almost 7 years later, still not fully recovered due to extensive axonal nerve damage in her legs, Hollys rewrite of her book has pushed more hope into my sometimes frustrated soul. Our family met Holly at a Symposium in San Diego in 2018 and she’s just as inspiring in person as the words in her book! Her writing gives so much emotion to the words on paper and makes you feel like you’re right next to her hospital bed, taking each precious breath along side her; Taking each step, one at a time in rehab! If you are in need of a story of true hope and strength, then look no further than Life Support! So proud of you Holly! ❤️
July 16, 2023
Wow. I read Holly’s first book a few years ago because I had a similar medical experience- with Chiari malformation and Syringomeylia, not GBS. Her book resonated me because the paralysis symptoms were the same and I recognized her fight as a fight I had in myself. This second book just blew me away. Her raw and detailed account of her hospital stay, physical therapy and her recovery made me feel like I’m a friend of hers, not just a reader. Thank you, Holly for writing this book and sharing your medical journey with the world. You have inspired me to write my own book sharing my own journey. We never know who we inspire with our lives. Just as Kit did for Holly and Holly does for countless others each and every day. I think this a must read for any and everybody- you never know what someone has gone through. Be kind always 💜
March 28, 2023
INSPIRING!
Very beautifully written chronicle, had me glued at the very first page. Holly, you are a true survivor and I applaud your unbelievable and unbeatable spirit to survive and recover. I suffer from fibromyalgia, which is a rarely understood disease that attacks nerves and many of your symptoms pertaining to be so very sensitive to touch and the heat and fire and tingling I can associate with all too well! Also the brain fog and memory lapses and unbearable fatigue. I’m like you in many ways, taking one day at a time, sometimes one minute at a time, but never give up. Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you and Casey and Jordan well. God bless!
Very beautifully written chronicle, had me glued at the very first page. Holly, you are a true survivor and I applaud your unbelievable and unbeatable spirit to survive and recover. I suffer from fibromyalgia, which is a rarely understood disease that attacks nerves and many of your symptoms pertaining to be so very sensitive to touch and the heat and fire and tingling I can associate with all too well! Also the brain fog and memory lapses and unbearable fatigue. I’m like you in many ways, taking one day at a time, sometimes one minute at a time, but never give up. Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you and Casey and Jordan well. God bless!
May 2, 2023
Life support is a emotional and heart wrenching memoir about a mother's story of hope and recovery.
I didn't know about Guillian-Barre Syndrome until I read the book and I've learnt soo much about the disease.
I recommend this book to those living with GBS, care givers, friends, medical professionals and anyone looking for insight on how to care for and support someone dealing with the challenges of these devastating illnesses. Holly has dealt with all the sensitive issues with care. I look forward to reading anything else that Holly writes in the future.
💖I was gifted a copy of the book from the author in exchange for a honest review.
I didn't know about Guillian-Barre Syndrome until I read the book and I've learnt soo much about the disease.
I recommend this book to those living with GBS, care givers, friends, medical professionals and anyone looking for insight on how to care for and support someone dealing with the challenges of these devastating illnesses. Holly has dealt with all the sensitive issues with care. I look forward to reading anything else that Holly writes in the future.
💖I was gifted a copy of the book from the author in exchange for a honest review.
July 15, 2023
inspiring Story of Courage
Holly experienced and overcame her illness with such determination and stamina. Her book is very detailed and leaves nothing untold. It was very hard to put down!
I was a little thrown off by her use of the “F” word, and then her frequent desires to get back to drinking . This was her story though and who she was.
A lot of things are repeated several times, but overall her story was very well written. I love that her husband and mother stayed by her side, and that her mom had such a big part by recording everything for her. She was very blessed with her family.
Holly experienced and overcame her illness with such determination and stamina. Her book is very detailed and leaves nothing untold. It was very hard to put down!
I was a little thrown off by her use of the “F” word, and then her frequent desires to get back to drinking . This was her story though and who she was.
A lot of things are repeated several times, but overall her story was very well written. I love that her husband and mother stayed by her side, and that her mom had such a big part by recording everything for her. She was very blessed with her family.
July 17, 2023
Very well written survivor encounter!
I only know about GBS from a brief stint in nursing school. I have never met, that I know of, a sufferer or survivor, in spite of many years working in nursing homes with rehabs here in America.
But i dearly love biographies and my name is Holly, so that was my link for reading this tome.
I am tremendously glad that I did. Although I have a tender heart for anyone disabled, this book helped me adjust my view of people on canes, walkers and in wheelchairs. I pray it is a temporary feature in their lives.
I hope the author's relationship with Casey strengthens every year of their lives!
I only know about GBS from a brief stint in nursing school. I have never met, that I know of, a sufferer or survivor, in spite of many years working in nursing homes with rehabs here in America.
But i dearly love biographies and my name is Holly, so that was my link for reading this tome.
I am tremendously glad that I did. Although I have a tender heart for anyone disabled, this book helped me adjust my view of people on canes, walkers and in wheelchairs. I pray it is a temporary feature in their lives.
I hope the author's relationship with Casey strengthens every year of their lives!
September 3, 2024
Awesome and informative read
As a respiratory therapist and a grandmother to a grandchild that had Guilliain-Barre at age 3, this book was an eye opener. I now realize the excruciating pain my grandson was in as he was unable to articulate the severity of it. Thankfully he survived with minimal post effects. As a respiratory therapist who has cared for GBS patients I will now be much more understanding of the fears, pain and depression they go through. This book will make me a more compassionate and positive therapist for patients with GBS to aid in their recovery. Will definitely recommend your book to patients, families and co-workers. Thank you
As a respiratory therapist and a grandmother to a grandchild that had Guilliain-Barre at age 3, this book was an eye opener. I now realize the excruciating pain my grandson was in as he was unable to articulate the severity of it. Thankfully he survived with minimal post effects. As a respiratory therapist who has cared for GBS patients I will now be much more understanding of the fears, pain and depression they go through. This book will make me a more compassionate and positive therapist for patients with GBS to aid in their recovery. Will definitely recommend your book to patients, families and co-workers. Thank you
January 8, 2023
Guillain Barre Syndrome is an illness I had very little knowledge about prior to reading Holly's memoir.
This book was captivating, emotional and very intense at times. To think of such a young, healthy women who had just given birth to a healthy baby girl, going through something so horrifying was heart wrenching.
Holly offers so much support for people and their families struggling with GBS and for that I beleive she is a blessing.
Thank you for not holding back while writing this book, it was raw and beautifully written.
This book was captivating, emotional and very intense at times. To think of such a young, healthy women who had just given birth to a healthy baby girl, going through something so horrifying was heart wrenching.
Holly offers so much support for people and their families struggling with GBS and for that I beleive she is a blessing.
Thank you for not holding back while writing this book, it was raw and beautifully written.
January 4, 2023
A must read for anyone dealing with a life emergency.
This is THE BOOK that gives you hope and shows you how - when everything seems like it was taken away - there is always hope. Even when it's the smallest of steps forward, keep going. Holly Frances takes us on her journey how she came back to a full and happy life from being on life support. She fought for it every step of the way and her triumphant ending can be yours too.
This is THE BOOK that gives you hope and shows you how - when everything seems like it was taken away - there is always hope. Even when it's the smallest of steps forward, keep going. Holly Frances takes us on her journey how she came back to a full and happy life from being on life support. She fought for it every step of the way and her triumphant ending can be yours too.
February 1, 2023
strong girl
I suffer from Neurofibromatosis 1 . My body grows tumors on nerve endings,so some of the symptoms you talk about I also suffer with. The nerve damage, the chronic fatigue, and pain,weakness fatigue. I am in Central Kansas,not many doctors have knowledge about my NF at all. I have been asked by neurologist to speak at places but I am unable to drive and cannot make the 6 hour trip needed to do that. Wish I could. I admire you and your strength.
I suffer from Neurofibromatosis 1 . My body grows tumors on nerve endings,so some of the symptoms you talk about I also suffer with. The nerve damage, the chronic fatigue, and pain,weakness fatigue. I am in Central Kansas,not many doctors have knowledge about my NF at all. I have been asked by neurologist to speak at places but I am unable to drive and cannot make the 6 hour trip needed to do that. Wish I could. I admire you and your strength.
July 26, 2023
Very Inspiring!
Holly’s story is absolutely amazing. Her strength is out of this world. Just learning about what she went through from start to present will remind you that every day is worth living. All medical professionals should read her book so they know what to look for with GBS. Her recovery is what it is because she got the treatment she needed immediately. She listened to her body and her and her mother were listened to in the hospital.
Holly’s story is absolutely amazing. Her strength is out of this world. Just learning about what she went through from start to present will remind you that every day is worth living. All medical professionals should read her book so they know what to look for with GBS. Her recovery is what it is because she got the treatment she needed immediately. She listened to her body and her and her mother were listened to in the hospital.
March 8, 2024
Inspirational Story
I don't have any idea of how much strength it took to recover from this rare illness. This book conveys a strength I can't imagine having though. Well written and wonderfully told.... I highly recommend it to anyone that needs a bit of "feel good therapy".... and I don't mean that in a derogatory manner at all. A happy ending always makes me feel good, and her story hasn't ended yet!
I don't have any idea of how much strength it took to recover from this rare illness. This book conveys a strength I can't imagine having though. Well written and wonderfully told.... I highly recommend it to anyone that needs a bit of "feel good therapy".... and I don't mean that in a derogatory manner at all. A happy ending always makes me feel good, and her story hasn't ended yet!
December 12, 2022
As a health care professional this was a compelling reminder to do and be better. Treat people with compassion and respect, even when you think they can’t hear you.
This was the first book I’ve read in a very long time. I laughed, I cried and I felt for Holly as a mother. It’s also powerful message that mindset can get you through any challenge you face!
This was the first book I’ve read in a very long time. I laughed, I cried and I felt for Holly as a mother. It’s also powerful message that mindset can get you through any challenge you face!
January 7, 2023
What a well-written book about such a life-changing experience. Holly is a fighter and her determination to overcome such an awful situation was inspiring. While I have never had to face a similar medical challenge it made me appreciate the small things people take for granted- such as holding a loved one's hand.
February 8, 2023
So much in common
I must thank Holly for this book so much of what you went through mirrors my own experience. Through the worst of time I would say “ tomorrow will be a good day”. For anyone suffering with or recovering from GBS this is a good read, for those looking to understand GBS from a patients view point this is a must read.
I must thank Holly for this book so much of what you went through mirrors my own experience. Through the worst of time I would say “ tomorrow will be a good day”. For anyone suffering with or recovering from GBS this is a good read, for those looking to understand GBS from a patients view point this is a must read.
July 10, 2023
Amazing
As a retired RN, I was amazed when I came upon Holly Frances's story.Although I'd heard of GBS, I didn't realize it could be so painful. I thought you got and recovered after being on a respirator or you died. As that is what happened over 50 years ago to a friend's husband. Your book gave me insight into a disease that I knew very little about.
As a retired RN, I was amazed when I came upon Holly Frances's story.Although I'd heard of GBS, I didn't realize it could be so painful. I thought you got and recovered after being on a respirator or you died. As that is what happened over 50 years ago to a friend's husband. Your book gave me insight into a disease that I knew very little about.
October 2, 2023
life support
This book will inspire anyone with a disability to never give up I am a retired nurse and in my nursing career I have never had a GBS patient Holly is a miracle that will give a person the ability to overcome their disability thank you Holly for sharing your story with me
This book will inspire anyone with a disability to never give up I am a retired nurse and in my nursing career I have never had a GBS patient Holly is a miracle that will give a person the ability to overcome their disability thank you Holly for sharing your story with me
December 30, 2023
Heartbreaking Yet very Inspiring
A rare syndrome which I haven't heard about till now. But with the every detail Holly described, made me literally imagine the pain (emotionally and physically) she had gone through. But her determination to the road of recovery is quite inspiring and her efforts in bringing awareness about GBS is really appreciative.
A rare syndrome which I haven't heard about till now. But with the every detail Holly described, made me literally imagine the pain (emotionally and physically) she had gone through. But her determination to the road of recovery is quite inspiring and her efforts in bringing awareness about GBS is really appreciative.
March 6, 2024
For several days and into the nights I got to curl up on the sofa and hear Holly share her astonishing, terrifying and remarkable story. This story is not for the faint-hearted and yet she tells it with warmth, candor and even at times, humor. Holly survived and went on to help others. This inspiring and gripping true tale of courage and mettle is life-changing. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews