Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirsten Fowler.
Hi Kirsten, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi, my name is Kirsten Fowler and I am 37 years old. I have been married for 16 years to my amazing husband, Jeremy, and have four wonderful children. From oldest to youngest, their names are Millie, Isaac, Eliza, and Evelyn. The three youngest have what is called Fragile X Syndrome. This is a genetic syndrome passed on through the X chromosome. Both males and females are affected, but boys are usually more severe because they only have the one “fragile” X to rely on. (Males have XY chromosomes and Females have XX chromosomes). FXS is the number one known cause of inherited autism. My son, Isaac also has an autism diagnosis and I’m sure I could get the girls a diagnosis as well but haven’t yet. The only reason I got a diagnosis for Isaac is so that he could get more help since FX is not as well known or recognized.
I wrote my book, Family, Faith, and Fragile X in 2021 and published it in July of 2022 in honor of Fragile X Awareness month. I wrote this book for many reasons. I think part of me just needed to write it for myself as part of my healing and acceptance. However, I also could see that there are not enough books out there specifically about Fragile X and even less talking about what it is like to be a Carrier raising more than one child with special needs. Many doctors and the general population don’t realize that Carriers of Fragile X Syndrome also have physical and mental health issues, such as FXAND, FXPOI, and FXTAS. You can check out fragilex.org to learn more specifics. But in this book I tell the raw struggles and joys. I open up to tell the real story most people don’t talk about and others may not want to hear- vacations, doctor visits, church attendance, and more.
Now almost five years later my life has changed in many ways and yet there is much of the same. I have started writing a few more books but haven’t had the gumption to finish. Maybe if I knew I had readers out there that want to read more that would help. Wink, wink.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was little, but it took thousands of dollars, a writing coach, and a strict deadline to get my book out there. Besides the money, time, and stress, there was also the mental load of revisiting all of the hard times. I had to go through memories, journals, and talking with family about some of the hardest times in my life. But it was all worth it in the end, because I know it has helped a lot of people not feel alone in their own journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am most proud of writing and getting my book “out there.” Family, Faith, and Fragile X reminds me that I can do hard things. I think my book is different from many others out there for a few reasons. First, I don’t just talk about the happy moments, the joy, and the easy. I talk about that, but I also make it real and raw. I talk about things parents don’t dare talk about- the trauma, the poop, the tantrums, etc. I also talk about the difficulties of being a carrier while still taking care of children the rest of my life.
I’ve don’t a lot of writing throughout my life. I’ve worked at half a dozen newspapers across the state of Utah as well as many freelance and ghostwriting jobs. My favorite thing to write about was always the true stories of people. I found that everyone has a story to tell.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I’ve learned many important lessons long my journey.
-No matter what I do with my life, I know that my number one mission is my family. So no matter what I do with my time, whether it is writing, acting, singing, or art I make sure my children are happy and safe and my marriage stays strong.
-Jesus Christ is the only way I get through it all. Through Him I know I have done more than I could ever do on my own spiritually, physically, and mentally.
-Not everyone will love what I do and that’s okay.
-Knowing that I used my talents and experience to help another individual on this difficult journey of life is a true joy.
-Don’t give up or let the fear of failure stop you from doing what you’re meant to do. As Nike says, “Just do it!”
Pricing:
- $9.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kirstenfowler.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirstenfowlerauthor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/@KirstenAuthorFowler
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kirstenfowler
