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About the Book
A heartwarming blend of medical mystery, intimate journal, comic survival guide, and “zenchanted” map to acceptance, this memoir recounts the story of a family’s journey within the often-invisible world of autoimmunity. The book leads the reader through the misery and mayhem encountered while one woman attempted to raise three daughters with autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Hashimoto's thyroidititis, and spondyloarthritis. It then details what happened when a life-altering, autoimmune disease called Sjogren's Syndrome swooped down to hit her squarely in the eyes as well. Covering topics as diverse as “Identity Theft,” “The Doctor-Patient Fit,” "Little House of Illness" and “Using Buddhist Philosophy to Deal with Chronic Illness,” this book serves as a handbook of sorts for all those who wish to understand the emotions and obstacles encountered in living with chronic illness and provides a strategy for coping for the 50 million Americans who are currently living with autoimmune diseases.
Drying My Tears has been endorsed by the American Autoimmune Related Disease Association, the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation, and the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy.
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Liz Wilkey is a graduate of Fairfield University and has been diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and peripheral neuropathy. Her three adult daughters have also lived with rheumatic and autoimmune conditions from an early age.
Liz is the winner of The CURA Foundation's 2018 Unite to Cure Stories of Hope contest and traveled to Rome to attend the conference where she and her daughters were named Pontifical Heroes by the Vatican.
Liz's unique life experience, joyous sense of humor, and appreciation of all-things-whimsical have combined to make her writing a joy to read.
Liz has also authored seven collections of poetry for Christian children in her Poems from the Pew series; also available on Amazon.
Endorsements
We hope that patients find strength to speak up and
speak out about autoimmune disease. Even
more, we hope that patients are encouraged and gain hope from Liz’s story. Laughter is the best medicine. Having a good sense of humor and a strong
support system can make all the difference in living and thriving with these
diseases.
–
Virginia Ladd
President and Executive Director of AARDA
President and Executive Director of AARDA
This is a wonderful book documenting the struggles
so many patients and families have in dealing with physicians who don’t
understand their diseases. There is nothing worse then being told all
the routine tests are normal so there must be nothing wrong. This is often
compounded by employers and others who say “You don’t look sick.” This
book will help so many to know they are not alone.
– Thomas J. A. Lehman. M.D.
Chief of Pediatric Rheumatology (Retired) HSS
Author of It’s Not Just Growing Pains
Chief of Pediatric Rheumatology (Retired) HSS
Author of It’s Not Just Growing Pains
Many words came to mind as I read Liz Wilkey’s
memoir: brave, persevering, and hopeful,
ever hopeful. While this is Liz’s story,
it is also the story of so many patients living with chronic life-altering
conditions. Her story is inspirational,
for patients and non-patients alike. And
we can all live in hope that by raising awareness for peripheral neuropathy and
other associated conditions, that more can be done to find new treatments and
ultimately a cure.
– Nancy Frohman
Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
Praise for Drying My Tears
BRAVE AND INSIGHTFUL
Liz Wilkey bravely recounts her family's story and shares insights into the silent world of this painful journey. It has changed me and my perspective. I highly recommend.
A MUST READ FOR FRIENDS & RELATIVES OF AUTOIMMUNITY PATIENTS
I have friends and family with autoimmune disorders and had no idea the pain and suffering they endure. This book paints a clear picture of the tortuous ambiguity that autoimmunity represents. Whether its the anguish of finding a clinical diagnosis, the unpredictable daily struggles of shopping, cooking, or sleeping, or the loneliness of being saddled with a disease that no one understands, this book has given me a starting point to reach back out. Throughout the heartache, the author is adept at showing the reader that, even though there is pain, someone is still home. Her humor, her sing-songy prose, and her love for her kids drives home the need for us to fully see the whole person: mother, daughter, wife, Dr. Seuss enthusiast, and yes, a aptient with a severe autoimmune disorder.
In short, I absolutely recommend this to anyone that's been impacted by this disease, especially those friends or relatives that strive for a better understanding. It is beautifully written, touching, and inspiring.
BRAVELY WAGING WAR ON AUTOIMMUNITY
An insightful journey into the world of autoimmunity. Written from the human and humane perspective, this book weaves medical science with physical, emotional and psychological aspects of this disease. The stories and anecdotes are personal and cleverly written. A key element of waging a war on autoimmunity is understanding it for what it is. If this book help just one person who suffers from this enigmatic ailment, then the author has done an amazing job!
Liz Wilkey bravely recounts her family's story and shares insights into the silent world of this painful journey. It has changed me and my perspective. I highly recommend.
A MUST READ FOR FRIENDS & RELATIVES OF AUTOIMMUNITY PATIENTS
I have friends and family with autoimmune disorders and had no idea the pain and suffering they endure. This book paints a clear picture of the tortuous ambiguity that autoimmunity represents. Whether its the anguish of finding a clinical diagnosis, the unpredictable daily struggles of shopping, cooking, or sleeping, or the loneliness of being saddled with a disease that no one understands, this book has given me a starting point to reach back out. Throughout the heartache, the author is adept at showing the reader that, even though there is pain, someone is still home. Her humor, her sing-songy prose, and her love for her kids drives home the need for us to fully see the whole person: mother, daughter, wife, Dr. Seuss enthusiast, and yes, a aptient with a severe autoimmune disorder.
In short, I absolutely recommend this to anyone that's been impacted by this disease, especially those friends or relatives that strive for a better understanding. It is beautifully written, touching, and inspiring.
BRAVELY WAGING WAR ON AUTOIMMUNITY
An insightful journey into the world of autoimmunity. Written from the human and humane perspective, this book weaves medical science with physical, emotional and psychological aspects of this disease. The stories and anecdotes are personal and cleverly written. A key element of waging a war on autoimmunity is understanding it for what it is. If this book help just one person who suffers from this enigmatic ailment, then the author has done an amazing job!
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