Pownal Street Press is honoured to announce the November 2025 release of Why Not Me: Learning to Live Fully With Invisible Illness by Lindsay Ireland.
In this candid memoir, Lindsay Ireland evolves from an eleven-year-old girl, grappling with a devastating autoimmune diagnosis, into a young woman struggling to love a body that has continuously failed her. As she navigates adulthood, she confronts the compounding challenges of an invisible illness. Despite her health struggles and receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), Lindsay emerges as a mother and wife fighting to reclaim her sense of self and visibility in a world that often overlooks those suffering in silence.
Lindsay Ireland enjoyed an idyllic childhood,but one day, everything changed when Lindsay noticed blood in the toilet bowl. Suddenly, Lindsay finds herself confined to a sterile hospital room and enduring invasive tests, intravenous treatments, but ultimately — and luckily— a life-saving ostomy surgery.
Through her honesty and courage, Lindsay’s story sheds light on the hidden costs of being unwell, and the importance of embracing help in our most vulnerable moments. This memoir of resilience is a call to recognize the unseen struggles of battling chronic conditions and to foster compassion and understanding for the intersections of physical and mental health—and where their limits lie.
“It’s an absolute honour to be publishing Lindsay’s memoir, Why Not Me. It’s our hope that this book will help those struggling with invisible illnesses to know they are not alone in what they’re going through”
—Genevieve Loughlin, Publisher, Pownal Street Press
About the Author
Lindsay Ireland is a long-time survivor of life with a chronic illness. In addition to her role as a Communication Specialist, Lindsay has spent a lot of time writing, researching and sharing her story on her blog. While navigating the challenges of life with her illnesses, she has celebrated the joys of family, motherhood, and second chances. Lindsay’s story is a testament to the power of vulnerability and the strength that comes from embracing life’s difficulties with grace. She decided to finally put pen to paper, and the sharing of this story has allowed Lindsay to embrace her personal journey with courage and authenticity. Lindsay lives in Halifax with her husband, Chris. Why Not Me is her first book. Find her online at www.lindsayireland.com
Why Not Me: Learning to Live Fully With Invisible Illness
ISBN: 9781998129676
$24.95 CAD | Paperback
Release Date: November 04, 2025
Pownal Street Press creates beautiful non fiction and children’s books that inspire, educate, and enthrall readers. We exist to give rise to brave stories, and to be a light for community and connection. For more information about the Press and its books, please visit: www.pownalstreetpress.com.