More Person Than Patient: Finding Your Purpose and Power with Chronic Illness

In this deeply personal and empowering book, a longtime patient and advocate Gwen Mayes reveals the hidden emotional toll of living with chronic illness--and how resilience, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence can transform the journey. Written with candor, empathy, hope and humor and drawing on her own decades-long experience with heart disease, she explores the profound mind-body connection, the gaps in our healthcare system, and the strategies that help patients stay grounded when their physical health feels unpredictable. With practical tools, journaling prompts, and inspiring patient stories, this book offers guidance for reclaiming joy, building emotional stamina, and navigating the challenges of chronic illness with courage and clarity. It is a compassionate roadmap for anyone seeking strength, hope, and balance while living with the invisible weight of long-term health conditions.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Mayo Clinic Press
Published: 11/03/2026
ISBN: 9798887704296
Pages: 248