Rare - by Denice Patterson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

For fans of Brain on Fire, a mom of two young children tells her story of finding strength through her love for her family as she battles a rare and incurable chronic pain disorder ominously--and aptly--nicknamed the suicide disease.

At thirty-nine, recently retired Denice looked forward to a future full of possibilities with the love of her life and two young children. That is, until a coughing attack delivered a sudden shock of pain to her face so severe that it dropped her to her knees. The agonizing bolt of electricity lasted mere seconds. But the zaps kept coming--and soon, Denice was living in constant state of dread.

Rare chronicles the emotional roller coaster Denice rode in the months following her diagnosis with trigeminal neuralgia--a condition that causes a pain so ferocious and life-consuming that it's earned the moniker "suicide disease"--while she searched desperately for a solution to her pain. Through countless doctors, multiple procedures, and catastrophic surgical complications, and in the face of unimaginable suffering, Denice's fierce devotion to her family was often the only thing that gave her the strength to carry on and continue to advocate for herself.

A story of perseverance, resilience, and unbreakable love, Rare is a raw and inspiring testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of hope--and one woman's triumphant account of reclaiming her life.

Review Quotes

"Rare is a jaw-dropping memoir--this unforgettable story illuminates the endurance of hope, the love of family, and the resilient fight for better days . . . A must read for anyone who lives with chronic illness, Rare is the absorbing account of survival you need to garner the will to keep going."--Jennifer Cramer-Miller, author of Incurable Optimist

"A portrait of perseverance. Denice's journey is a testament to the hope that can take root even in life's most difficult seasons."--Amelia Johnson, author of Unacceptable

About the Author

Denice Patterson, a former police officer, who never dreamed of being a writer until life gave her a story too significant not to write about. During her years struggling with trigeminal neuralgia, a rare and incurable chronic pain disorder, sports photography became a passion of hers, as did playing piano, which served as a much-needed peaceful escape. She wrote Rare both to raise awareness about trigeminal neuralgia and to celebrate the power of resilience, hope, faith, and, above all, love. Originally from Long Island, NY, Denice now resides in Connecticut, with her family.