I Didn't Have the Option to Give Up

What happens when you are already fighting every day for your children — and suddenly you have to fight for your own life too?

I’m Susanna Elemuo, a mum of four autistic children. For more than 25 years, my life has included psychologists, therapies, school meetings, appointments, advocacy and fighting to make sure my children received the understanding, education and support they needed.

Then, in 2019, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Suddenly, I was living two battles at the same time.

I was going to hospital appointments, having blood tests and receiving strong chemotherapy — while still taking care of my children, dealing with school and fighting to protect the support my autistic son depended on.

But there was one thought that never entered my mind:

Dying was not an option.

My children only had me. There was no one else who could take my place. In my mind, there was only one way forward — get through the treatment, beat the cancer and come home to my children.

This ebook is my personal story of motherhood, autism, school battles, cancer, fear, love and survival.

It is not a story about never being afraid. I cried. I had difficult days. But I kept going.

I’m sharing my story for the parent who feels exhausted, overwhelmed or wonders how they can possibly carry one more thing.

Sometimes strength doesn’t look powerful.

Sometimes strength is simply getting through today — and getting up again tomorrow. 💗

I didn’t have the option to give up. This is my story.