This website is a homepage for the memoir by
author Ali McKerlich entitled
Standing Tall: My Story of Faith, Hope and Healing

Scroll down for more information about the book, Ali’s speaking, as well as links to Ali’s social media.

Where to find the book:

Ali’s book is available on Amazon - direct link here
to US Amazon site

The book is now available at this link on Amazon.ca
for our Canadian friends and family.

Book Synopsis

In December 2010 I was hospitalized. Paralyzed from my neck down, I could move only my head and one finger. My prognosis was grim; a yet-to-be-diagnosed autoimmune disease threatened to take my life. Over the next seven months I would undergo radical treatments and arduous therapies that medical staff, led by top neurologists, hoped would stop the disease from entering my internal organs and preserve my life—as a quadriplegic. During that dark time I wondered whether death would not be preferable to such an existence. Today I fully embrace life though I have had to learn to live with the death of “normal,” and the death of previously held dreams. I have lost much but I have gained more.

This book tells the story of how God cared for me while I inhabited the valley of the shadow of death, and how He gave me victory on three battlefields:

· The physical one with my disease;

· The mental/emotional/spiritual one with discouragement and depression; and

· The systemic one with a medical system into which I didn’t neatly fit.

Z About the Author.jpg — **Ali McKerlich**

Meet Ali

Ali McKerlich is on a mission to share her message of faith and hope. A lifelong athlete, Ali was diagnosed with a rare neurological disease affecting her motor nervous system. Ali responded well initially to treatment but in the fall of 2010, faced a serious setback that resulted in Ali being admitted to UWMC unable to move any muscles below her neck. Her doctor later told her that most of the medical staff expected her to never walk again. However, after 7 months of intensive medical treatment and rehabilitation Ali left the hospital walking with assistance and now she can walk with the use of leg braces. Throughout that journey Ali never stopped believing in her recovery and leaned heavily on her faith to bring strength and peace. Additionally, Ali was a pillar of strength and hope for those she met in that journey and continues to share that message with the community in small and large settings.

Book Testimonials

“This is the fascinating story of a woman whose faith gave her profound courage in the face of a devastating neurologic illness, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). As CIDP ravaged her body, leaving her nearly immobilized and near death, McKerlich held fast to her Christian values. As her neurologist, I was witness to this as I tried to find her an effective medication. After many months, she was slowly able to respond to her unfathomable ordeal, nearly healed in body, as much through the resiliency of her spirit as any therapy I could provide. Her inspirational and riveting recounting of these events is McKerlich’s way of giving hope to others in similar circumstances, providing a light to illuminate the darkness.”

— Dr. Michael E. Weiss, M.D. Neurology, Neuromuscular Diseases

“Ali has the unique gift as a storyteller of speaking about her own deep pain and loss with courage, humor, and even joy. The way she navigated her journey through life-threatening illness is a testament to the God she worships, the support of loving family and friends, and her own resolute determination. Wherever you are at on your journey through pain, trial, or struggle, Ali’s story will encourage you to stand tall.”

— Dr. Jeff Lincicome, Senior Pastor, Sammamish Presbyterian Church

“This is a real-life story of a strong, resilient woman who placed her total reliance on God. Her story is filled with the good, the bad and the ugly. She is honest in sharing her own weakness and struggle. As a nurse, I was particularly interested in Ali’s description of how the caregiver’s interaction with her affected her recovery, especially her psychological and spiritual status. I could see how the staff misunderstood Ali’s strength of character and extreme fighting spirit when they labeled her as a “difficult patient.” But in reality, her pre-illness athletic constitution was one of the most important factors influencing her determination to overcome her illness.”

— Elaine Goehner, PhD, RNC, CPHQ

Author Book Talks

Video extract of Ali addressing a group of Christian women in Bellevue WA in January 2020. If you’re interested in asking Ali to address your group, please contact via the form below or via the Facebook community link below.

Speaker Testimonials

“What a joy to listen to Ali’s story of healing, hope, and overcoming! Found myself at times with my eyes closed to be ever present and to soak in the goodness of God’s faithfulness and provision through such an uncertain season. Sitting on the edge of my seat, I leaned in, laughed, held my breath, and smiled until my jaws hurt. …Still celebrating as the testimony of God’s goodness will continue to shine forth to encourage and bless people whether they read the book or get to listen to Ali share
firsthand!”

— Kim Peterson

“It was so encouraging to have Ali McKerlich speak at The Anchor! She carried the crowd of nearly 200 women of all ages. Her story is inspiring, engaging and very raw. She tells of her battle to overcome a life changing illness. Her speaking style draws people in. She is animated and deliberate. Ali encourages the audience to see firsthand what God has done in her life. From a talented, multi-sport athlete to a woman trapped in her body for nearly a year moving only her head and one finger. Ali draws on a deep strength that has given her the ability to capture life, family and friendships in new and deeper ways. Women left this evening challenged, thankful and full of hope.”

— Sally Leist

““I had the privilege of attending a presentation Ali gave to a large audience a few weeks ago. She is a truly gifted speaker who connected with us through love and humility when sharing her fascinating story. Ali’s story provides understanding in what Jesus meant by saying “ His power is made perfect in weakness” We are reminded that all things are possible through faith in Jesus Christ. That Miracles can and do happen. When Ali speaks she meets people right where they are and this is what makes her such a powerful speaker. She is truly a warrior for the truth and power of Faith!””

— Michelle Gallaway

Visit our Standing Tall community on Facebook at the link above or
via searching Facebook for @StandingTallMemoir

Contact for speaking opportunties

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This website is a homepage for the memoir by author Ali McKerlich entitled Standing Tall: My Story of Faith, Hope and Healing