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Women, Work and Autoimmune Disease:
Keep Working, Girlfriend!

by Rosalind Joffe and Joan Friedlander

 

This book is for women (and men, too!) living with a chronic health challenge and who seek to stay employed.

Do you feel alone with your illness?

Is staying at work essential for your independence and sense of self?

Are you already struggling to deal with your illness in the workplace?

If you’re nodding, YES, to even just one of these questions, then this book is for you!

 

"Ladies, it's time to get out of bed and back to our lives. Women, Work and Autoimmune disease: Keep Working, Girlfriend! was obviously written by authors who have been there, who live and thrive with a chronic disease, and who know the pitfalls. Rosalind and Joan have encouraged me to see the possibilities for reclaiming a dynamic career and have helped me to believe these possibilities apply to me as well, despite my illness."
Sandy Lahmann, multiple sclerosis, recipient of Adaptive Athlete of the Year award, 2007

 

In the book, Women, Work and Autoimmune Disease: Keep Working, Girlfriend! you’ll meet women like Sandy who face challenges that are physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual.

We have changed their names, but the heart of their stories remains unaltered. In each instance, these brave women have found ways to keep a strong sense of quality, satisfaction, and fulfillment in their lives.

While the ways in which they have maintained their forward momentum differ, they share one fundamental decision: to stay in the workforce.

 

"Rosalind Joffe and Joan Friedlander are armed with a unique blend of engaging writing style, workplace savvy, gender awareness, and most helpful of all, personal experience in navigating the challenges of chronic illness. The book is a must for working women also dealing with chronic-pain issues, whether or not they are related to autoimmune diseases."
Paula Kamen, Author of All in My Head: An Epic Quest to Cure an Unrelenting, Totally Unreasonable and Only Slightly Enlightening Headache

 

Autoimune Bookbutton (9)

 

 

Hi, I’m Rosalind Joffe. Living with chronic illnesses for 40 years has taught me how critical work can be to health and well-being. That’s why I’m committed to giving people who live with chronic illness the tools they need to be employed.

 

By reading Women, Work and Autoimmune Disease: Keep Working, Girlfriend!  you will learn:

Why autoimmune disease (a subset of chronic illness) is a critically important issue for women.

What women face while living with autoimmune disease and continuing to work.

How life-changing strategies and concrete tactics can allow you to discover your “warrior spirit.”

 

"Read inspiring accounts of women who challenged themselves and their bodies to remain actively employed. Women whose stories recognize the importance of work, have found creative ways to balance work and chronic illness, and have done it all with determination and commitment."
Steven W. Nissen, MS, CRC, National Multiple Sclerosis Society

 

1 

 

Table of Contents

  • What Is an Autoimmune Disease, and Why Is It a Women’s Issue?
  • Why Should You Keep Working?
  • The Challenges of the Workplace
  • The Relationship among Diagnosis, Disease Course, and Career Development
  • Success in the Workplace: When Knowledge and Experience Are Not Enough
  • Talking about Your Chronic Illness
  • You’re Fired — By Your Body or Your Boss
  • Building Your Support Team
  • Developing Your Warrior Spirit: Hope and Resilience

 

"Rosalind Joffe and Joan Friedlander have created a much-needed field guide to navigating the workplace with a chronic illness. The book is clear, down-to-Earth, and extraordinarily helpful."
Amy Tenderich, Journalist/Blogger, DiabetesMine.com. Author, Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes, 2006 Winner, Lilly for Life Achievement Award for Diabetes Journalism

 

"Any woman who struggles with chronic health problems needs to read this inspiring and empowering book. In a caring, straightforward style, Joan and Rosalind reveal how continuing to work can ultimately be the path to a healthier and happier life. Women, Work and Autoimmune disease: Keep Working, Girlfriend! will help you find the courage and strength to reclaim your career and your independence."
C.J. Hayden, MCC, Author, Get Clients Now! and Get Hired Now!

Want More?

Check out Rosalind’s value laden workbook, “Keep Working with Chronic Illness Workbook”.  It gives you the tools you need to put into action the ideas you that you might have read about in “Keep Working, Girlfriend”. Take charge of your health and your work life by clicking here.  

Want to work with Rosalind personally?  Read about the ciCoach services and purchase the one that works best for you.

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Rosalind Joffe

rosalind@cicoach.com

617.969.1930
How can I help you?
I specialize in working with professionals living with chronic health conditions who want to continue to thrive, not just survive. Learn more by clicking here.
Women, Work and
Autoimmune Disease: Keep Working Girlfriend!

by Rosalind Joffe
with Joan Friedlander
© 2025 Rosalind Joffe, ciCoach | Photograph by Meri Bond