Between Two Kingdoms

Imagine facing a rare and challenging health battle, where the odds of survival are stacked against you. Suleika Jaouad, an American writer, advocate, and motivational speaker, knows this struggle all too well. She's not just a survivor; she's a storyteller who inspires countless individuals battling sickness and adversity. You might recognize Suleika as the author of the ""Life, Interrupted"" column in The New York Times. Her powerful words have also graced the pages of Vogue, Glamour, NPR's All Things Considered, and Women's Health. But her most remarkable story unfolds beyond the headlines. In 2011, Suleika received a life-altering diagnosis: a rare form of acute myeloid leukemia. The doctors gave her a mere 35% chance of survival. Against all odds, she emerged victorious from this battle, and her journey has become a testament to human resilience. Through her writing and speaking, Suleika has shared her profound medical experiences, earning her an Emmy Award for her column ""Life, Interrupted."" Suleika's memoir, ""Between Two Kingdoms,"" captured hearts and soared to the top of the New York Times Best Seller list in 2021. But her story took another turn in December of the same year, when she announced a recurrence of her cancer and a subsequent second bone marrow transplant. Her unwavering spirit in the face of adversity continues to inspire those fighting their own battles. Beyond her health journey, Suleika's personal life is a tapestry of diverse experiences. Born to a Muslim father from Tunisia and a Catholic mother from Switzerland, she embodies the beauty of different worlds coming together. Her educational path took her from the Juilliard School's pre-college program, where she studied the double bass, to Princeton University, where she majored in Near Eastern studies and double minored in French and gender studies. With unwavering determination, she graduated with highest honors in 2010. Her quest for knowledge led her to earn an MFA from Bennington College in writing and literature in 2020. Suleika's journey is not limited to the pages of her writing. She travels across the United States, sharing her insights through writing and wellness workshops. Her voice resonates within the walls of high schools, universities, hospitals, corporations, and fundraisers. Her TED Talk, titled ""What Almost Dying Taught Me About Living,"" touched the hearts of many when it was released in June 2019. Love also plays a significant role in Suleika's life. Her relationship with musician Jon Batiste has been a source of strength and joy since 2014. Their love story, which began when they met as teenagers in band camp, took a surprising turn when they secretly tied the knot in February 2022. However, life had its own plans, and Suleika's cancer made an unexpected return in 2022. Suleika Jaouad's journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit, the resilience of the heart, and the unbreakable bonds of love. Her story is one of hope, triumph, and the beauty that can emerge from life's most challenging moments. As you navigate your own path and consider lending a helping hand to those facing health battles, remember Suleika's story – a beacon of light guiding us through the darkness.