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Incurable Optimist: Living with Illness and Chronic Hope
by Jennifer Cramer-Miller 
Category: Immune Systems, Medical Professional Biographies, ebooks
Praise “This book is an inspiration. Read it to find your own bravery and to salute the bravery of Jennifer Cramer-Miller.” --Delia Ephron, author of Left on Tenth: a Second Chance at Life |
ABOUT THE BOOK
2024 International Impact Book Awards Winner: Family and Medical
Book of Excellence Award Winner: Family
Publishers Weekly, starred review, PW Book of the Week, August 2023
At twenty-two, Jennifer Cramer-Miller was thrilled with her new job, charming boyfriend, and Seattle apartment. Then she received a devastating autoimmune diagnosis—and suddenly, rather than planning for a bright future, she found herself soaking a hospital pillow with tears and grappling with words like “progressive” and “incurable.”
That day, Cramer-Miller unwillingly crossed over from wellness to chronic illness—from thriving to kidney failure. Her chances of survival hinged upon the expertise of doctors, the generosity of strangers, and the benevolence of loved ones. But what kind of life would that be?
Spanning two-plus decades, this family love story explores loss and acceptance, moving forward with uncertainty, and forging a path to joy. Four kidney transplants later, Cramer-Miller is here to shine a bright light on people helping people in difficult times with a story that will make you want to hug the humans you love. Because sometimes it’s the sorrows that threaten to pull us apart that ultimately unite us in hope.
2024 International Impact Book Awards Winner: Family and Medical
Book of Excellence Award Winner: Family
Publishers Weekly, starred review, PW Book of the Week, August 2023
At twenty-two, Jennifer Cramer-Miller was thrilled with her new job, charming boyfriend, and Seattle apartment. Then she received a devastating autoimmune diagnosis—and suddenly, rather than planning for a bright future, she found herself soaking a hospital pillow with tears and grappling with words like “progressive” and “incurable.”
That day, Cramer-Miller unwillingly crossed over from wellness to chronic illness—from thriving to kidney failure. Her chances of survival hinged upon the expertise of doctors, the generosity of strangers, and the benevolence of loved ones. But what kind of life would that be?
Spanning two-plus decades, this family love story explores loss and acceptance, moving forward with uncertainty, and forging a path to joy. Four kidney transplants later, Cramer-Miller is here to shine a bright light on people helping people in difficult times with a story that will make you want to hug the humans you love. Because sometimes it’s the sorrows that threaten to pull us apart that ultimately unite us in hope.
Jennifer Cramer-Miller
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jennifer Cramer-Miller is a writer, speaker, and happiness seeker. As a patient advocate, she helps individuals manage uncertainty, move forward with hope, and find joy. Her work is featured in Zibby Mag, Brevity Blog, The Sunlight Press, Grown & Flown, Mamalode, The Erma Bombeck Blog, The Kindness Blog, The Star Tribune, and Minnesota Physician. She is a contributing writer, 2023-2026 board chair, and PEER mentor serving The National Kidney Foundation. She seeks one lovely thing each day, and at day's end, she sinks into a comfy couch with her witty, golf-loving husband and her waggy, treat-loving pup. Said couch lives in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Website:
https://jennifercramermiller.com/
Jennifer Cramer-Miller is a writer, speaker, and happiness seeker. As a patient advocate, she helps individuals manage uncertainty, move forward with hope, and find joy. Her work is featured in Zibby Mag, Brevity Blog, The Sunlight Press, Grown & Flown, Mamalode, The Erma Bombeck Blog, The Kindness Blog, The Star Tribune, and Minnesota Physician. She is a contributing writer, 2023-2026 board chair, and PEER mentor serving The National Kidney Foundation. She seeks one lovely thing each day, and at day's end, she sinks into a comfy couch with her witty, golf-loving husband and her waggy, treat-loving pup. Said couch lives in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Website:
https://jennifercramermiller.com/