swim or die: a mother’s humbling journey through chronic illness

When life’s challenges arise, you can either swim or die.

All her life, Sharon McGroder was able to handle crises with a cool head and effective problem solving, which allowed her to cope with a chaotic childhood and served her well as an adult. But when her 16-year-old son, Evan, was diagnosed with Lyme disease, his worsening symptoms resurrect childhood feelings of ineptitude watching her parents struggle with chronic diseases, which leads her to push Evan beyond his capabilities. Only after her own health worsens does Sharon finally understand what Evan-and her parents-had gone through, and she gains a new understanding and sense of humility about the limits of personal responsibility and sheer will in overcoming life’s challenges.

While recounting her family’s journey with chronic disease, Sharon draws from her expertise as a family researcher to deftly explore the themes of childhood trauma, fear, depression, family relationships, and parenting. Ultimately, Swim or Die is a story of hope.

＂Sharon McGroder’s Swim or Die is an honest and thoughtful account of a mother’s journey navigating a son’s illness, while grappling with a genetic disease and scars from her own childhood that come back to haunt her . . . A beautiful story about love, family, and thriving against all odds. Inspirational!＂

-Anna Greka, MD, PhD

(Dr. Greka is a physician-scientist whose groundbreaking research may lead to a treatment for ADTKD, the second most common genetic kidney disease in the U.S.)

＂The author details the ups and downs [of Lyme disease] that families face with amazing description, facts, and emotions. Swim or Die is a must-read for patients with Lyme disease and their caregivers.＂

-Christine Reading, mother of a teenage daughter suffering from Lyme disease

＂The real-life personal drama of a family impacted by chronic Lyme disease.＂

-Samuel Shor, MD, FACP, former chair, Loudoun County Lyme Commission; Associate Clinical Professor, George Washington University Health Care Sciences

＂A heartwarming read of resilience and perseverance. Sharon McGroder’s memoir illuminates ways our societal systems and policies can support rather than hinder one’s personal and professional journey. A timely example of the inextricable bond between parents and children and why supporting both together strengthens families across generations.＂

-Marjorie Sims, Managing Director of Ascend at the Aspen Institute and expert in two-generation approaches for advancing family economic security across generations.’