“Diagnosed is an inspiring story of survival and resilience, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a blueprint for how to live your best life right now, even in the face of overwhelming hardship.”

Charlie Engle, ultramarathon runner, caregiver, and author of Running Man

“Diagnosed is a brilliantly insightful book for anyone diagnosed with a long term condition. There are insights into how Snow managed her diagnosis without being overbearing. …what I found most helpful were the tips and steps, giving practical ways to live with a diagnosis, such as dealing with anger or working out how to be more positive. This book will be a massive support to anyone facing a diagnosis of a long-term illness.”

Rachael R., early reader

“As someone who is going into nursing school this book was very cathartic. There’s understanding I have for people on certain situations now is something I will carry with me. This is a fabulous book if you are looking to understand people better.”

Kyla K., early reader

“Brenda Snow details how being diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness takes you through all the steps of grieving: for your past life, and for your dreams of the future. She gives practical advice on how to enrich your relationships, advocate for yourself with your healthcare team, and believe that you still can do many great things (even though they may look very different from your pre-diagnosis goals). Patient stories are included that give real-life advice and hope to overcome difficulties associated with your diagnosis. A must-read for patients and caregivers alike!” 

Kim F., early reader

“Great for those who need confidence and support after a diagnosis—this will be perfect for you. I would recommend this book to family members, some of whom are struggling after their diagnosis's. A tough topic to handle, yet handled brilliantly by Brenda Snow.”

George L., early reader

“Such an important book to read as a person with multiple disabilities. I finally feel like I understand my life now and how to deal with the massive changes as they occur.”

Rhi G., early reader

“An overview of the American hospital experience. ‘Disease comes with a heavy set of burdens, but it also comes with impossibly beautiful gifts,’ writes Snow (CEO of patient engagement agency Snow Companies) in this narrative built around her own multiple sclerosis diagnosis and its aftermath. ‘As the patient evolves, their loved ones must evolve, too. That means the burdens are shared—and so are the gifts.’ This sense of hope found in horrible circumstances animates the book, which starts with illness bringing the author’s old life to a halt: ‘I’d gone from a vibrant, active, intelligent, engaged person, to someone who couldn’t get out of bed,’ she writes. ‘And when I brought all these symptoms to various doctors, I was misdiagnosed, I was trivialized and placated, and one even said I was crazy.’ From her own experiences, Snow has developed a process she calls ‘The Patient’s Journey.’ In these pages, she breaks down what both the patient and the patient’s support group will go through pre-diagnosis, post-diagnosis, and in the long-term. The guide walks readers through the experience of hunting down the appropriate care, finding the right diagnosis, dealing with the slow kind of grief that illness can induce (‘the initial grief that comes with a diagnosis is often coupled with relief to finally have a name for what you’re dealing with’), separating one’s self from one’s illness, and many other aspects of this kind of crisis. Snow employs a blunt prose style in an attempt to underscore both the practicalities and the empathy of her narrative, and it largely works—her text is free of the impersonal, anodyne tone that often characterizes books about coping with sickness. ‘Illness is brutal,’ she writes, ‘but when you start finding ways to give back to others, that impact makes it all easier to bear.’ Readers dealing with illness—their own or a loved one’s—will find this book to be a breath of fresh air and a realistic shot of hope. A tough-talking but ultimately tender guide to dealing with a diagnosis."

Kirkus Reviews

“With compassion and practical guidance, Diagnosed will not only help patients and caregivers understand how to advocate for themselves and navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, but also inspire hope . . . . You will laugh, cry, and most definitely come to understand that you are not alone.”

Amy Wyatt, epilepsy advocate, writer, and speaker

“I’m so glad this book was written!!!! It speaks to truths that many people have never considered, but to those of us who have suffered from chronic illness, these truths are validating and reassuring in the face of doubt, mistreatment, and misunderstanding that we often face. This guide should be read by caregivers and loved ones as well, because it gives insight to the unique challenges patients face and explains things that we often don't have the words to say ourselves. It's an extremely valuable resource!”

Christa C., early reader

“All people with chronic diseases can learn from Brenda’s experiences and her ability to communicate what she has learned over the decades of managing her personal multiple sclerosis journey.”

Randall T. Schapiro, M.D., FAAN, Clinical Professor of Neurology (retired), University of Minnesota, and founder, The Schapiro Center for Multiple Sclerosis

“For people seeking comprehension and empowerment following a diagnosis, this book offers valuable insights and actionable strategies. It is an essential resource for patients, caregivers, and family members navigating the emotional complexities of illness.”

Kimberly B., early reader