I didn’t expect my life to turn into a survival story. But here I am.
Over the last few years, I’ve faced long COVID, Late stage lymphoma, and ongoing autoimmune complications that reshaped everything I thought I knew about my body, my future, and myself. Through it all, I shared my journey publicly and connected with thousands of people who saw their own fears, strength, and resilience reflected in mine.
Now, I’m taking the next step: turning that journey into a book.
Surviving Myself isn’t just about illness.
It’s about what happens after everything falls apart.
This book explores what it means to rebuild your identity after losing your health, career, relationships, and sense of normalcy. It’s about learning who you must become when life doesn’t give you a choice.
Each chapter explores a different phase of the journey:
- Life before the pandemic
- Long COVID and autoimmune challenges
- A cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Recovery, relapse, and reckoning
- Finding purpose again when nothing looks the same
My goal is simple: to show others that no matter how hard life gets, there is always hope.
Where the Project Is Now
The manuscript is well underway.
I’ve completed 14 of 20 chapters and am organizing years of notes, videos, and reflections into a cohesive story. The chapters are coming together in ways I didn’t expect, and I’m committed to finishing this the right way.
The next steps include:
- Professional editing and developmental coaching
- Formatting and cover design
- Publishing, distribution, and launch preparation
The Ask
Because I’m managing ongoing treatment and living on a fixed income, covering these costs alone isn’t realistic.
I’ve set a goal of $3,200, which will fund professional editing and writing support for a 50,000-word manuscript. Every contribution goes directly toward turning this draft into a finished book that can reach the people who need it.
If you’re able to support or know someone who could help with editing or writing, it would truly make a difference.
This book is more than a project.
It’s my legacy of survival, self-discovery, and resilience.
If my story has ever helped you feel less alone, more hopeful, or more willing to keep going, I’d be honored to have you be part of this next chapter.
Thank you for believing in what’s possible, even when the path forward isn’t always clear.
With gratitude,
Josh Parra
Organizer
