Autoimmunity and the Good Girls

Sara Hirsh Bordo combines deeply suffered but ultimately triumphant personal history with the irrefutable science of mind-body unity to show that disease can arise from being too good for one’s own good and be overcome by reclaiming power and agency. This illuminating volume will liberate many women from self-suppression and its frequent consequence, physical illness. — Gabor Maté M.D. New York Times bestselling author of The Myth of Normal and When The Body Says No: Exploring the Stress-Disease ConnectionAutoimmunity and the Good Girls is a deeply validating exploration of how being raised to be “good” can quietly shape a woman’s wellbeing. With data-driven research and gripping stories from her own life, Sara Hirsh Bordo shows how self-silencing and chronic caregiving take a tremendous toll on women’s bodies. She guides us toward reclaiming ourselves as part of healing both body and soul—powerfully taking back what we need to thrive. As a woman, and a daughter with my own story of autoimmune challenges, I recognized myself in these pages. I can’t think of anything more powerful than being seen and validated in the struggles of womanhood and family life. — Dr. Allison M. Alford, communication scholar and author of Good DaughteringSara Hirsh Bordo’s Autoimmunity and the Good Girls is the kind of support every woman deserves, the kind that doesn’t talk down to you or try to fix you, it reminds you that you’re not broken. It’s deeply human, and full of real tools you can use right away. If you’ve been searching for clarity, or a way forward, you’re going to feel so grateful you found it. — Tamsen Fadal, New York Time bestselling author of How to Menopause & host of The Tamsen ShowSara’s an Architect of Change — Maria Shriver, New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalistSara Hirsh Bordo’s Autoimmunity and the Good Girls is a brave and necessary work. It is a book about illness, yes—but more importantly, it’s a book about voice. About the cost of silence… Sara weaves together science, soul, and social commentary with clarity that is both urgent and compassionate. Her voice is one that demands to be heard—not just for her own healing, but for the millions of others who stories remain untold. — Richard Carmona, 17th Surgeon General of the United States, excerpted from the forewordThe insights Sara brings from her personal experience enrich a unique voice that beautifully combines wellness and empowerment. Her personal storytelling in Autoimmunity and the Good Girls will broadcast a message certain to resonate and inspire women everywhere, — Julie F. Kay, author of Controlling Women: What We Must Do Now to Save Reproductive FreedomNot only is Sara a beloved leader in our shared women and girls space, but her quality of writing is so accessible and beyond inspiring. I can’t wait for the I Am That Girl community to awaken to new heights within themselves because of what Sara is presenting in Autoimmunity and the Good Girls. — Alexis Jones, Founder of global I AM THAT GIRL movement, author of I Am That Girl and Joy HunterAs Sara Hirsh Bordo makes clear in this riveting personal account, ‘empowerment’ and ‘making a difference’ can become their own kind of traps when not fueled by a holistic awareness, aligned with our authentic intuitions and deepest self— those inner GPS signals that our accomplishment-driven society is so expert at scrambling, especially in women. An inspiring yet sobering read, this book is full of wisdom that is both clear-eyed and hard-earned. — Daniel Maté, New York Times bestselling co-author of The Myth of NormalA majority of us walk through life holding our own flashlight. We do everything we can to make sure our light is bright and shining in the best way possible. When it comes to Sara, she has selflessly held the flashlight for women and girls like me, dedicating herself to light the way for others. Her wisdom, compassion, and courage is the guiding light we all need. — Lizzie Velasquez, award-winning global anti-bullying activist and influencer, and author of Dare to Be KindSara has the unique ability to empower others. I have seen it time and time again through her films and writing. She brings creativity and a deep understanding to every subject that is rare and compelling—giving us an irresistible call to action to make the world a better place. — Gay Gaddis, T3 Think Tank Founder and bestselling author of Cowgirl PowerAutoimmunity and the Good Girls is not just a study and a book—it’s a catalyst for change, inspiring healthcare professionals, policymakers, and society to reevaluate existing paradigms surrounding women’s health and autoimmune disorders. Sara’s unwavering commitment to elevating marginalized voices and unraveling the myths surrounding chronic illness makes her study an indispensable resource for anyone passionate about advancing women’s health and wellness. Sara’s work is not just a triumph—it’s a call to action, inviting us all to listen, learn, and advocate for a more equitable and compassionate healthcare landscape. — Dr Kimberlee Sullivan, PT, DPT, WCS, BCB-PMDI recognize myself and every woman in the pages of Sara’s book as she makes a compelling case that closing the women’s health gap must go beyond biological understanding into the society factors of being a girl. This book has the power to change the way we research women’s health and autoimmune conditions – an area in which 80% of patients are women – to truly advance women’s health outcomes. — Kathryn Godburn Schubert, President & CEO of the Society for Women’s Health Research

Sara Hirsh Bordo is a 20-time award-winning filmmaker and Founder/CEO of Women Rising®, named “One of the Most Innovative, Interesting, and Purpose-Driven Women-Led Startups to Watch” by Inc. Magazine. Sara is currently executive producer of ConnectHer International Film Festival, consulting director for the Gates Foundation PitchFest Program, and most recently, the author and researcher behind the first proprietary quantitative survey at the intersection of female empowerment and health, Autoiommunity and the Good Girls™.

Sara previously held positions in media and entertainment, including Executive Director of Interactive Marketing at Paramount Pictures, VP of Digital Marketing at MGM Studios, and CEO and Co-Founder of NowLive.

She lives in Austin, Texas, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, is Aunt Sissy to eleven nieces and nephews, and Fairy Godmother Sara to three godchildren.