Includes bibliographical references and index.

Shepherd's story, part I: The leap -- Instead of an introduction: A community of the defiant -- Shepherd's story, part 2: The science of our guts -- Terry Wahls: How far can moxie take you? -- Diet and inflammation: Terry looks for proof -- The science of success: What makes us try and try again -- Amanda Hanson: Love and sacrifice -- Jamie Stelter: The raw fuel of optimism -- The science of mind and body: "Things shift toward wellness" -- Annie Salafsky: Saying no to no -- The science of hope: Agency vs. learned helplessness -- Trusting her son: Amy and Jaxon Chan take on ADHD with diet -- Amy Thieringer: Evolution of a healer -- Shepherd's story, part 3: The surprise -- Afterword: The landing.

"True stories about people who triumphed over seemingly impossible medical diagnoses using untraditional, inventive therapies and perseverance--and about what scientists are discovering on the psychology of healing and the mind-body connection--from the author of theNew York TimesMagazinearticle about her own son, "The Boy with the Thorn in his Joints," which led to this book about other families"--From publisher.