Community Spotlight: Helping Our Patient Families Share Their Stories

At our practice, we provide clinical care to individuals, but we also care deeply about the families behind our patients. We know that many households face unique, everyday challenges. When parents document their personal experiences to help others, we want to ensure their voices are heard.

This month, we are spotlighting two books written by parents within our practice community. Both authors have turned their personal journeys into resources for other families navigating similar paths. Our goal is to help them gain the recognition they deserve so their stories can reach and support more households.

Navigating Chronic Injury as a Family

My Daddy Forgets by Capt. Brad Blazek

Brad Blazek is a retired U.S. Army Captain who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from combat shrapnel wounds in Iraq. Living with severe memory loss and chronic pain affects the entire household, and Brad wanted to create a resource to help young children understand these complex changes.

He wrote My Daddy Forgets to help kids better understand what it is like to live with a parent facing a TBI. By giving Brad’s book more visibility, we hope to connect his story with other military and civilian families navigating the real-world impact of chronic injuries.

Overcoming Identity Challenges and Building Confidence

My Glasses Story by Sarah K. Lanier

Sarah K. Lanier has worn glasses since she was two years old. Growing up, her glasses heavily shaped her childhood identity, and it took her nearly 30 years to build true self-acceptance and confidence. Now a mother of three, Sarah uses her background to speak to others and encourage them to embrace exactly who they are.

In My Glasses Story: How I Learned to See Clearly, she shares her 30-year journey toward self-love. We want to amplify Sarah's message to help other parents and children who might be struggling with self-image or letting physical attributes define their worth.

How You Can Help

When a family in our practice community steps up to help others, we believe it is our responsibility to support them. By sharing these books, we can collectively expand their reach and ensure these valuable life lessons help the families who need them most.

Both titles are available on Amazon. We encourage you to check them out, share them with anyone who might benefit, or ask our front desk team for direct links to support these patient-family authors!