Grateful Anyway
Grateful Anyway: A Memoir of Small Wins and Chronic Illness is a story of resilience, hope, and finding meaning in the midst of pain. Through small victories and honest reflections, Melissa shows how chronic illness reshaped her life,and gave her gratitude, empathy, and strength.
This book explores the intersection between chronic illness and gratitude and how to find the small wins everyday.
I was inspired to write this book because after decades of struggling with chronic illness I wanted to share the cracks of light that still shine in even during challenging times.
This book includes stories and insights from my personal journey with endometriosis and hasimotos. The ups and downs of being chronically ill and the slivers of hope that come through.
The coolest story I share in this book is how one surgery changes my perspective and teaches me what really matters in life.
My perspective is unique because I have experienced the highs and lows of chronic illness and all the lessons that come with not being able to control what may come next.
My hope for this book is to shine a light and bring awareness to what others may be feeling behind closed doors, as well as helping anyone is may be struggling with anything at this moment feel seen and supported.
You will enjoy this book if you are looking to see the light on the dark days, you want to start to see all the good and small wins in your life daily.
Where Does Your Support Go?
My publisher (Manuscripts Press) gave me a publishing team to help me produce and launch my book. I am working with…
- A revisions editor, copy editor, and proofreader this Spring to further hone my book (when you buy a ticket for my launch, you’ll get early excerpts and access to earlier versions of my manuscript!)
- A marketing specialist to coach and support me in marketing efforts, and help me reach new audiences
- A cover artist and layout editor will be designing my book. (The mockups you see currently are a placeholder!)
I am also offering some exclusive rewards for people who buy a ticket to my book launch:
All tickets include either a physical copy (softcover, paperback) or digital copy (ebook) when I publish and a handwritten thank-you note.
- Your name will appear in the Acknowledgments section of my book (“with Special Thanks to”).
- You will be invited to join my Author Community and get behind-the-scenes sneak peeks into the publishing process.
- You will receive early access to the Introduction and some excerpts from my book, with the opportunity to review it and give me early feedback.
- You will have the opportunity to be involved in finalizing my cover and title.
Other Ways You Can Support Me
Some people just can’t contribute, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help:
Please share my pre-sale campaign on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn with your friends, family and network. Please use #gratefulanywaybook and tag me as well as my publisher, Manuscripts Press, so we can help amplify your efforts.
Please recommend my book to five (5) friends, family members, or co-workers who you think would enjoy it via text or direct message on social media.
Thank you so much for of all of your love and support!
Thanks again,
Melissa
Author Bio
Melissa Boudreau is a marketing executive, patient advocate, and podcast host who has spent years amplifying voices and building communities. After navigating multiple surgeries and years of living with endometriosis, she created The Cycle podcast, which now reaches listeners worldwide with honest conversations about chronic illness and resilience. Her debut memoir, Grateful Anyway: A Memoir of Small Wins and Chronic Illness shares her journey of finding gratitude, strength, and small wins in the midst of struggle.
When she’s not writing or recording, Melissa works as the CXO for Northwoods Theatre Groups and serves as President of Women in Exhibition, mentors women in leadership, and sneaks in movie nights, walks, and being outdoors with her husband, whenever possible.
📚 Frequently Asked Questions
Why are you presaling this book?
I’m choosing to presale to build a supportive reader community from day one — your support helps fund editing, design, printing, and much more!
What do I receive when I support your presale?
Depending on the reward tier you choose, you’ll receive signed copies, bonus resources, live session access, or personal acknowledgments in the book.
What will appear on my credit card statement?
You will see ‘MANUSCRIPT’ reflected on your credit card statement.
When will I get my Perks and Packages?
Books (Ebook, Paperback, Hardback) will be delivered in Spring 2026.
Other perks, depending on what you ordered, could be released before the book is printed and published. I will reach out to you when each perk is ready for delivery. I will be regularly communicating with you after the campaign to keep you updated.
What are the Risks and Challenges?
I’ve already written the first draft of my manuscript. I have a publishing timeline in place and a team lined up to support editing, design, and distribution.
The main risks are:
- Timeline shifts during production or printing (I’ll communicate transparently!)
- Supply chain or shipping delays (especially with printed copies)
During revisions, I will engage with you regularly to keep you up to date on my progress.
Can I purchase multiple times?
Yes, you can order multiple times.
Are preorders refundable?
Preorders are non-refundable. However, you may transfer to another individual at no charge.
When is the deadline to support your presale?
See my social media posts for timeline information.
PRESALE PERKS AND PACKAGES
| Name | Donate Amount | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Arleigh Cole | $25.00 | October 28, 2025 12:07 pm |
| Amber Poupore | $100.00 | October 27, 2025 9:58 pm |
| Christina Blumer | $100.00 | October 27, 2025 1:17 pm |
| Rachael Salerno | $100.00 | October 26, 2025 9:36 am |
| Heather Blair | $100.00 | October 26, 2025 8:46 am |
| Ian Widmer | $100.00 | October 25, 2025 8:59 pm |
| Lauren McChesney | $25.00 | October 25, 2025 8:51 pm |
| Shannon Shehan | $75.00 | October 25, 2025 7:01 pm |
| Brandon Jones | $100.00 | October 25, 2025 5:35 pm |
| Kate Chelovich | $100.00 | October 25, 2025 3:33 pm |
| Katherine Green | $25.00 | October 25, 2025 7:10 am |
| Charles Wilhelm | $100.00 | October 22, 2025 11:04 am |
| Eric Koester | $75.00 | October 21, 2025 1:42 pm |
| Rachel Schneider | $25.00 | October 21, 2025 11:35 am |
| Emily Bridge | $100.00 | October 19, 2025 10:41 pm |
| Kristin Jordan | $250.00 | October 19, 2025 7:57 pm |
| Winnie Chan | $100.00 | October 19, 2025 5:50 pm |
| Amy Gagner | $100.00 | October 19, 2025 4:18 pm |
| Sarah Austin | $250.00 | October 18, 2025 8:54 am |
| Julie Geisinger | $75.00 | October 16, 2025 8:10 am |
| Kate Groudis | $100.00 | October 15, 2025 6:43 pm |
| Cris Tortolano | $100.00 | October 15, 2025 12:14 pm |
| Alee Pearce | $50.00 | October 15, 2025 11:50 am |
| Sarah Demchak | $75.00 | October 15, 2025 10:52 am |
| Emily Arwa | $25.00 | October 15, 2025 10:11 am |
| Chris Becker | $100.00 | October 14, 2025 3:16 pm |
| Ally Smith | $75.00 | October 14, 2025 10:46 am |
| Sabrina Starr | $100.00 | October 12, 2025 2:36 pm |
| Elva Donnelly | $100.00 | October 12, 2025 12:02 pm |
| Lee Elsey | $100.00 | October 11, 2025 5:01 am |
| Deniz Kocas | $25.00 | October 10, 2025 11:13 am |
| Chris Kliethermes | $100.00 | October 8, 2025 9:16 pm |
| Marc Van Allen | $100.00 | October 8, 2025 10:44 am |
| Whitni Jones | $75.00 | October 7, 2025 9:50 pm |
| Ann Monigold | $100.00 | October 7, 2025 9:27 pm |
| Wendy Hans | $100.00 | October 7, 2025 9:18 pm |
| Graziano Mehmetaj | $100.00 | October 7, 2025 8:10 pm |
| Jennifer Jaramillo | $25.00 | October 7, 2025 5:11 pm |
| Kristin Jordan | $100.00 | October 7, 2025 4:01 pm |
| Carole Malek | $25.00 | October 7, 2025 12:21 pm |
| Carrie Dietrich | $100.00 | October 7, 2025 10:37 am |
| Alissa Sharp | $75.00 | October 7, 2025 10:27 am |
| Brett King | $100.00 | October 7, 2025 10:22 am |