Until I Say Good-Bye

Moving and inspirational reflections on life from one woman, diagnosed with ALS, making the most of her final days with family and friends.

In June 2011, award–winning journalist Susan Spencer-Wendel was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a disease that systematically destroys nerves that power muscles. Forty-five years old and a mother of three, Susan walks with braces and is losing her ability to speak. Unable to stop the rapid decline of her body, she refuses to let her life stop before its time. Since her diagnosis, Susan makes sure every day counts, is more present than ever in her daily life, and ready to share her strength, determination, and spirit.

Until I Say Goodbye is a truly magical story and so much more than one woman’s “bucket list.” It’s a celebration of life, a look into the face of death, and the effort we must make to show the people that we love and care about how very much they mean to us.

“Touching and brutally honest.” —USA Today



“Susan Spencer-Wendel had to face the question, ‘What would you do if you had a year to live?’ This profound, tender, and often funny account of her experiences will remind readers of what really matters most: love.” —New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin

“This heartbreaking and heartwarming good-bye will make you laugh as much as it makes you cry. Susan Spencer-Wendel’s determination to find the joy in life after having been dealt the ALS card is both inspirational and enlightening.” —New York Times bestselling author Cokie Roberts