"Astonishing, important, and truly radical ... this book is completely transformative" POLLY MORLAND"To Exist As I Am reflects on the boundaries between those who care, and those who receive care in an absolutely extraordinary way ... Essential reading" XAND VAN TULLEKENAt the age of twenty-two, Grace Spence Green's spine was broken at the fourth thoracic vertebra. One day, she was in hospital supporting patients, the next she was one. To Exist As I Am chronicles Grace's journey from idealistic medical student to spinal-injury patient, and then to qualified doctor and vocal disability activist. Her life-affirming reflections question the value we place on independence, in favour of the networks of care that bind us all together. She asks how we might fight for change, while joyously embracing life as we are. "It'll change the way you think about disability. Stop whatever it is that you're reading and read Grace Spence Green instead" GAVIN FRANCIS"Unputdownable, awe-inspiring, necessary" GABRIEL WESTON"So true and so beautiful" TOM SHAKESPEARE