Help Me Share My Story

Help Publish My Memoir: AFTERSHOT – How PTSD Shattered Me, and Why I’m Not Sorry Anymore

Hi, my name is Lana.

I’m a neurodivergent police officer, a mother to two young kids, and a survivor of complex trauma.

For a long time, I refused to write anything down. Journaling felt impossible—like it would make everything too real. One day, my psychologist looked me in the eye and said:

“You need to write a book.”

So I did. In 30 days, 70,000 words—over 300 pages—poured out of me.

It wasn’t polished. It wasn’t easy. But it was the truth.

The truth of what happens when systems are designed to shrink and silence anyone who dares to challenge their entrenched—and ultimately illusory—narratives.

After I started sharing pieces of my story, something remarkable happened. Officers and first responders from everywhere began reaching out. They told me they felt seen, maybe for the first time in their lives.

This book is not just mine. It belongs to all of us who recognize ourselves in its pages.

The more I speak, the braver I become. And the further I pull myself out of the cycle of shame.

One word, one sentence, one second, one minute, one hour—page by page—I am writing myself to survive, and to write myself back home.

With the support of Marsha Vanwynsberghe’s publishing house, I have the chance to bring this story into the world in a professional, powerful way. One that does justice to everyone who has ever felt invisible.

Why I’m asking for help:

Between raising my children, managing PTSD, and working to rebuild my life, I simply don’t have the financial resources to publish this alone. The estimated cost is $10,000–$12,000, which will cover:

✅ Professional editing and typesetting

✅ Custom cover design

✅ Printing and distribution

✅ Marketing and outreach so this book reaches the people who need it

How you can help:

Donate any amount you feel called to—every dollar helps.

Share this campaign with your networks.

Send a note of encouragement—I will read and treasure every word.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Thank you for believing that telling the truth matters. And thank you for standing with me as I take this next step to bring this book into the world.

With deep gratitude,

Lana