Who Knew?

Who Knew? is a continuation of Romy Shiller’s book You Never Know: A Memoir. Romy is considered a medical mystery and applies her previous interest and scholarly work on the body to her new physical reality. Romy’s intense belief that we can meet and overcome challenges prompted her to write this book. People expect distress when faced with a life-altering situation. Who Knew? proves that there are options available to everyone when it comes to facing challenges. Romy looks at internalized ideas about the body. She provides a new approach to physicality (how we utilize the body) and image (how we perceive the body). Our culture is obsessed with looking a certain way. Opting out of conventional modes of appearance is liberating. This book and Romy’s attitude are not about denial; they are about acceptance. Acceptance for Romy does not preclude change. It is more about blending realities, weaving the idea of identity. Fluctuation and adaptation are important qualities. Romy’s non-malignant brain tumour operation and subsequent five-month coma have left her in a wheelchair, with a voice/speech impediment called dysarthria. Romy Shiller is proof we can overcome our challenges.