About the Author
Kathryn Larouche Imler
Kathryn Larouche Imler is a retired registered nurse with a varied work background in general medicine, surgery, gynecology and obstetrics, home care supervisor and Assistant DOC. She became disabled due to a rare, almost unheard of medical condition which took nearly a decade to diagnose.
Kathryn continued to pursue research on Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM) and has in depth knowledge about these and other “unseen” medical conditions. Millions of people around the world are affected by FM, ME/CFS, Lyme disease, and other conditions poorly understood by most of the medical profession. Ten percent of the sales will go to support societies involved in research for ME/CFS and FM.
Kathryn's Words: A Journey Through Challenges and Triumphs
“Embarking on my journey as a travel nurse, I found myself in an ambulance beside my patient, but as the doors opened, an inexplicable urge to flee overcame me. Returning home later, I faced a new challenge – double vision and weakness, symptoms that would disrupt my life. As a single parent of three, the path wasn’t easy, yet the twists and turns shaped my narrative. During these trials, I sought not only professional success but also a partner in life. The “Mr. Right” quest intertwined with my personal and professional growth. My upbringing by an unpredictable mother, devoid of nurturing love, further moulded my experiences. My journey led me through poignant moments, including the painful loss of a brother who succumbed to alcohol addiction. The heartache of witnessing a loved one’s struggles and ultimate demise added layers of complexity to my narrative.”
“Venturing into Thailand, the challenges continued. Planes, trains, and automobiles became part of my world, all while navigating in a wheelchair or squeezed into a tuk-tuk driven by someone with Tourette’s syndrome. These adventures highlighted the resilience required to navigate life’s adversities. Yet, my story took another unexpected turn as I confronted my own trial with opioids. Prescribed by a well-meaning clinical pharmacist for intolerable pain, my journey down the path of opioids ended in a battle against addiction. The rehabilitation process became my path to redemption, offering a chance to rebuild and reshape my life. Through the highs and lows, my experiences transformed into the narrative that now rests within the pages of “Burning Rubber.”
About Kathryn Larouche Imler
Meet Kathryn Larouche Imler, a former Registered Nurse whose journey through life’s complexities has inspired her to share stories that touch hearts, uplift souls, and shed light on hidden challenges. With a rich background in medicine, surgery, obstetrics, and home care supervision, Kathryn’s diverse experiences laid the foundation for her literary path.
Kathryn’s life took a transformative turn when she worked as a travel nurse, accompanying a dying man to his home in Myanmar to flying with a wheelchair on her quest for a proper diagnosis of her own medical conditions. This profound journey kindled the spark of her memoir, “Burning Rubber.”
Returning to Vancouver, she encountered her own health struggles, facing Fibromyalgia (FM) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) – unseen medical conditions doctors often struggle to comprehend. Fueled by her firsthand understanding, Kathryn volunteered as a patient to contribute to Canada’s new Guidelines for Opioid Use in 2017, collaborating with McMaster University.
What’s remarkable about Kathryn Larouche Imler is that she explores a range of empowering single-parent books that offer insights, guidance, and relatable stories. Beyond her memoir, Kathryn has penned articles and pamphlets derived from McMaster’s opioid guidelines, showcasing her dedication to raising awareness and sharing valuable insights. Her contact with patients experiencing chronic pain enabled her to provide valuable input that benefits individuals navigating similar challenges.
Approach to Writing
Kathryn’s writing approach combines inspiration, research, and her personal account. She aims to educate the masses through her adventures and promote awareness about ME/CFS, FM, and the complexities of opioid use. Her work highlights over one million Canadians diagnosed with these conditions and the pressing need for research and valid treatments. The book’s central themes revolve around the impact on the lives of those affected, the struggles of diagnosis, and the role of family doctors.
Future Endeavors
Currently, Kathryn is working on a historical fiction book based on the letters from her great-uncle during WWI. She loves researching and plans to discover how her family, including her grandmother, who belonged to Chilliwack, travelled to the Peace River country in Alberta. The story continues to discuss WW2 events and beyond.
Kathryn Larouche Imler’s life’s narrative is one of resilience, empathy, and the relentless pursuit of truth through storytelling. Her words have the power to change perceptions, inspire action, and foster a deeper connection to the shared human experience.
