Tackling Change: Jennifer Gasner and Finding Balance Beyond Diagnosis

“Life can’t be all good. Realizing there’s more to life than disability—it’s a slice of identity, not the whole picture.”

– Jennifer Gasner

Adversity often presents itself as an unwelcome guest, challenging the very fabric of our existence. Yet, amidst the turmoil, there exists an indomitable spirit—a spirit personified by multi-award-winning author Jennifer Gasner. With resilience as her compass and determination as her guide, Jennifer gets on a poignant odyssey and transcends the confines of disability to embrace the full spectrum of human experience.

As Jennifer so eloquently articulates, “Life can’t be all good. Realizing there’s more to life than disability—it’s a slice of identity, not the whole picture.” This sentiment sums up her profound insight into the intricate layers of existence, where disability, though significant, is but one thread in the kaleidoscope of our identity.

Jennifer’s life also unfolds against a backdrop of academic achievement and unwavering advocacy. Armed with a BA in English from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and an MS in Recreation from Western Illinois University, she ventures into disability culture, fueled by a passion ignited during her tenure with Independent Living Centers.

Her arrival in San Diego at the tender age of twenty-eight heralded a new chapter—a chapter defined by community immersion and relentless advocacy. From mentoring initiatives with What’s Next to co-chairing UC San Diego’s Staff Association for individuals with disabilities, Jennifer’s commitment to fostering inclusivity knows no bounds.

In 2020, Jennifer assumed the mantle of a Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) ambassador, lending her voice to the global chorus advocating for FA awareness. Through initiatives like Rare Across America, she treks the corridors of power as she engages legislators on issues affecting millions grappling with rare diseases.

Moreover, Jennifer’s literary prowess finds expression within the hallowed pages of the San Diego Memoir Writers Association’s anthology. Her memoir – the BREW Nonfiction Book Excellence Award 2024 Book of the Year winner, “My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis,” is also one of her most recent literary achievements.

In this exclusive interview with Jennifer Gasner, we bear witness to a resilient individual transcending the boundaries of disability and illuminating the path toward finding balance and facing life’s myriad complexities.

TWB: Can you share with us what inspired you to write “My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis”?

JG: When I was younger, I dabbled in poetry. In college, I was an English major. I had always dreamt of writing a book but never seriously considered it. But in 2002, I took a screenwriting class, and a classmate, a literary agent at the time, asked me if I’d ever considered writing a book. I was surprised and kept writing little stories of my life. I was very overwhelmed by the prospect of writing an entire book. It wasn’t until 2014, when I had to stop working, that I decided to take a memoir writing class. I received encouragement from that class and continued taking a certificate program in memoir writing. I wanted to help reshape ideas of disability and provide an accurate and positive example that was not strictly “inspiration porn.” I also wanted to help others living with disability know they are not alone.

TWB: How did receiving a diagnosis of Friedreich’s ataxia at a young age impact your perspective on life and your future aspirations?

JG: Initially, I thought my life was over. In my mind, disabled people lead miserable lives—far from adventure, romance, and joy. But my neurologist gave me the best advice and told me to go on living my life and not let this hold me back.

TWB: In your memoir, you discuss navigating college life while coping with a progressing disability. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during this time?

JG: When I first went to college, my disability was invisible. I was nervous about telling people, worried no one would want to be my friend. But thankfully, no one rejected me. There were many questions about my sobriety, even when I was sober. Mostly, I ignored those comments and tried to accept that they were part of my new reality. But it still hurt, and I did respond with anger several times. Starting to use a walker lessened the number of questions but at the same time increased the number of stares I got. My urinary incontinence was very difficult for me to speak about, to anyone. I felt a lot of shame. But I had accidents a lot. I tried to cover it up and denied it for so long.

TWB: You mention developing a friendship with rock star Dave Matthews, which had a profound impact on your outlook. Can you elaborate on how this friendship influenced your journey?

JG: I never thought my friendship with Dave Matthews would happen to me. It made me feel special, and it made me look at my disability with gratitude. I thought he recognized me because I had Friedreich’s ataxia and used a walker. Therefore, how could FA be all bad?

TWB: Disability culture plays a significant role in your memoir. How did discovering disability culture change your perception of yourself and your disability?

JG: For so long, I had denied that I was a part of the disability community. However, finding the culture allowed me to see I wasn’t alone and that what I had been socialized into thinking about disability was not true. The community allowed me to see how I could shift my views and was kind and understanding. It also confirmed that I had value the way I was and didn’t need to fix my body to fit in.

“I wanted to help reshape ideas of disability and provide an accurate and positive example that was not strictly ‘inspiration porn.'”

– Jennifer Gasner

TWB: Throughout your journey, you’ve emphasized the importance of viewing your changing body with compassion. Can you share how you cultivated self-compassion amidst the challenges you faced?

JG: Humor. Laughing at my fumbles but also allowing myself to cry if necessary. Life can’t be all good. Realizing there’s more to life than disability—it’s a slice of identity, not the whole picture.

TWB: Your memoir touches on themes of gratitude and acceptance. How have these qualities helped you find balance and peace in your life?

JG: I think gratitude helps me focus on what I can do and the positive aspects of life. Acceptance meant realizing there was a choice about how I wanted to live. I didn’t want to be depressed, bitter, and angry. Again, that doesn’t mean I completely deny those moments—they happen. I try not to dwell on them for too long.

TWB: As an award-winning author, what message do you hope readers take away from your memoir?

JG: Disabled people are not tragic. They have value and a purpose beyond making non-disabled people feel better about their lives. Expect more from disabled people. If you do, there is more of a possibility they will meet those expectations.

TWB: You’ve received multiple recognition and accolades for your book, including the BREW Nonfiction Book Excellence Award 2024 Book of the Year. How does it feel to have your story resonate with so many readers?

JG: Amazing! I wrote it because I hope others can see themselves in parts of my story and learn a little along the way.

TWB: Looking ahead, what do you envision for yourself and your advocacy work in the future?

JG: I hope to develop a platform to speak on the images of disability within the media. I want to highlight how those images impact not only the lives of people currently living with a disability but also those with a new diagnosis or injury. If disability didn’t appear so negative and come with such low expectations, it may not be as scary for people in the future as it was for me. ⭐

“Disabled people are not tragic. They have value and a purpose beyond making non-disabled people feel better about their lives.”

– Jennifer Gasner

Useful Links

• Website
• View the book on Goodreads
• Get the book on Amazon
• Know more about the BREW international book, blog, and poetry awards

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Jennifer also appears on the cover of our magazine’s July 2024 Edition. More details are here.

Share Your Insights

Join us in celebrating the remarkable journey of Jennifer Gasner and her quest for balance beyond diagnosis! After reading her inspiring interview, we invite you to engage with us by sharing your thoughts. Here are three questions to spark discussion:

1. What aspect of Jennifer’s journey resonated with you the most, and why?
2. How do you believe society can better support individuals living with disabilities in their pursuit of fulfillment and inclusion?
3. Have you encountered any personal challenges or triumphs that parallel Jennifer’s experiences? We’d love to hear your stories!

Drop your comments below and let’s continue the conversation on resilience, advocacy, and the pursuit of a balanced life beyond diagnosis.

July 2024 marked a special milestone at The World’s Best Magazine as we proudly declare it as our Diversity, Resilience, and Inclusion Month. Throughout the month – and moving forward – we officially dedicate a special series of posts in our platform to celebrating the richness of diversity, the strength of resilience, and the power of inclusion.

Join us as we spotlight stories that showcase the myriad facets of diversity, from cultural heritage to individual identities. Through our features, we aim to amplify voices that demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity, inspiring others to persevere and thrive.

Moreover, we pledge to champion inclusion in all aspects of our work, ensuring that every story, perspective, and experience is welcomed and valued. By embracing diversity, resilience, and inclusion, we strive to foster a more equitable and compassionate world.

Let’s come together to honor the beauty of our differences, celebrate the triumphs of the human spirit, and reaffirm our commitment to building a society where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.

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