Shattered to the Core - by Valerie J Walsh (Paperback)

About the Book

An inspirational story of love, loss, and healing.

Book Synopsis

Her mother's suicide. Thyroid cancer...followed by a preventive mastectomy. Alcoholism. Depression.

Valerie Walsh was Shattered to the Core. Within just a few years, she experienced such extraordinary loss, pain, and trauma that it seems miraculous she was able to make it to the other side. How did she make peace with her past and reclaim her future? In her candid memoir, Valerie reveals what it took for her to overcome her personal hardships and inner demons to live a healthy, productive, and inspired life. This raw, powerful work will bring you to tears-of both empathy and joy.

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR SHATTERED TO THE CORE

Valerie's story is about overcoming obstacles in life. Dealing with her mother's suicide-then, shortly after, having her own battles, including a double mastectomy, depression, and anxiety. She's a true warrior. Her story will help others who are struggling in life.

-Catra Corbett ("Dirt Diva"), ultra runner and author of Reborn on the Run:

My Journey from Addiction to Ultramarathons

Valerie's memoir is the perfect read for those feeling alone or like a stranger within their own home, as well as for those who want to better educate themselves for loved ones who may be facing a similar struggle or challenge through the power of exercise. Her willpower and motivation represent the epitome of fighting back against mental illness and overcoming mental health challenges through a healthy therapeutic alternative. She shows that with struggle comes the fight. And that fight is what we need to keep striving for a healthier and more purposeful and meaningful life.

-Allison Cheng, USA Gymnastics staff photographer

and former Junior Olympic Athlete

Valerie's prescient insights regarding her own mental health journey are both brave and enlightening. Like other medical illnesses, mental health illnesses typically involve some degree of genetic predisposition that is met with an external life event to result in "disease." These brain-based illnesses must be approached with the exact same candor and openness as any other medical condition that we, as humans, may experience. Thank you, Valerie, for helping to break down barriers that are long overdue to fall.

-Michele Novella, PMHNP-BC,

PMHCNS-BC, APRN

Why are mental health conversations still so hard to have? In Shattered to the Core, Valerie Walsh opens the door by sharing her compelling story of loss, recovery, and healing. I hope this inspires others to follow her lead.

-Jane Davis, President and CEO, Ability and Beyond

It's important that when people are going through such a difficult time such as this, they can connect with other people's stories. Valerie's story of bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction has resonated with cancer survivors at Ann's Place and now we are excited to see how she is continuing to help others cope through this inspiring book.

-Shannon Cobb, President and CEO, Ann's Place

A courageous journey by a strong woman. Her inspirational story will move you to discover the wisdom of self compassion and self care.

-Gretchen K. O'Shea, LPC, NCC