Unflip - Memoir by Jen Parker

7 Jun

“I thought arthritis was an old person’s disease”

Mum-of-two Jen Parker unpicks her life-changing health diagnosis in new memoir Unflip

At the age of 23, while travelling the world on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, Jen Parker was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia. Following her diagnosis, with no hope of a cure and knowing she’d have it forever, Jen started on a ten-year journey to change her life. Her new memoir Unflip takes an honest look at the realities, barriers and challenges of her diagnosis, as she tackles full-time work, starting and running her own business, and motherhood.

Seven years after accepting a full-time role in publishing, Jen realised her career just wasn’t possible – she was unable to work for days at a time due to flare-ups and bugs. After the birth of her first daughter (trying for whom required her to come off her medication for six incredibly painful months), she set up her own design business, Fuzzy Flamingo. This move was freeing, but brings its own risks, as well as emotional and financial challenges, each day.

By telling her story, Jen hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges, and empower them to move on and evolve after a life-altering diagnosis. She also hopes that any healthcare professionals reading the book will find useful insight into the minds of patients after receiving a life-changing diagnosis. Keep an eye out as we release a section of Jen’s memoir on Friday 10th June 2022!

“Jen’s story shows us that no matter what we are going through, there is always a way through. Her tenacity and drive and total and utter honesty in this book will have you realising your own potential. A brilliant book that will leave you inspired beyond belief.”

Holly Matthews, Self-development coach and founder of The Happy Me Project.