29 min
Jennifer Gasner’s ‘Unexpected Life’ with Friedreich’s Ataxia Disability Rap
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- Society & Culture
We are joined today by author Jennifer Gasner. At the tender age of 17, Jennifer was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia, a rare progressive neuromuscular disease. In her new book, My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis, she delves into what it was like to start college with this new diagnosis and how she initially coped with her changing body. Turning to alcohol and getting involved in a toxic relationship were ways she could escape what she was feeling inside. Through a friendship with the hit singer songwriter Dave Matthews, Jennifer realized that even though her life had taken an unexpected turn and she was now a wheelchair user, her life was not over.
We are joined today by author Jennifer Gasner. At the tender age of 17, Jennifer was diagnosed with Friedreich’s Ataxia, a rare progressive neuromuscular disease. In her new book, My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis, she delves into what it was like to start college with this new diagnosis and how she initially coped with her changing body. Turning to alcohol and getting involved in a toxic relationship were ways she could escape what she was feeling inside. Through a friendship with the hit singer songwriter Dave Matthews, Jennifer realized that even though her life had taken an unexpected turn and she was now a wheelchair user, her life was not over.
29 min