ALS Saved My Life. until it didn't

Most people know life will not necessarily go as they planned. But what do we do when nothing goes as we had hoped? How do we cope with unpredictable changes in body and spirit – changes that require constant shifting of our view of ourself, other people, and the world? Jenni, diagnosed in 2009 with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease), has been forced to find answers to these questions every day. With the hope of helping others move forward after life-altering events, Jenni shares her story of life with ALS, outlining both the practical and existential changes needed to adapt and thrive. Embodying the idea that courage does not always roar, Jenni reveals the combination of self-reflection, radical acceptance, grit, and social support that have allowed her to remain true to herself while living her life to the fullest.

Jenni Berebitsky was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in March 2009. She has been living through the ups and downs of this relentless disease with her family and friends by her side every step of the way. Jenni earned her BA in psychology from Beloit College in 1998 and her naturopathic medical degree from the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon, in 2007. She resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, with her loving husband, Jeff, and their vibrant son, Philip. Jenni relishes the memories of past adventures: moving to the Pacific Northwest after college; studying abroad in Melbourne, Australia; backpacking through Southeast Asia; traveling to Tuscany to partake in the olive harvest; and sea kayaking alongside orca whales. Currently, she enjoys laughing and growing with her husband; guiding her passionate son as he takes on life; spending countless hours with her mom writing this book; dispensing her knowledge of naturopathic medicine with wannabe patients; visiting the Indianapolis Museum of Art and other activities with friends and family; listening to audio books; keeping up with her favorite TV shows and movies; and being a member of the jury for the Heartland Film’s Truly Moving Picture Award. Jenni looks to the future with excitement and anticipation of new adventures, including the release of a documentary about her life.