Author Joseph M. Lenard shares how chronic illness and lived experience shaped his advocacy for better U.S. healthcare.
When the Body Breaks, the Voice Grows Louder
Joseph M. Lenard’s ongoing health challenges—ranging from cancer recovery to chronic fatigue and heart surgery—have shaped not only his personal life but his work as a writer and advocate. After surviving acute promyelocytic leukemia, managing fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome, and undergoing a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in 2025, Lenard found himself deeply acquainted with the realities of long-term care in the United States.
While not a healthcare professional by training, Lenard uses his lived experience to bring public attention to the gaps in chronic care and system navigation. His commentary stems from what he describes as “the patient perspective”—an essential but often underrepresented voice in conversations about healthcare reform.
From IT to Author and Advocate
A former information technology professional, Lenard transitioned to writing full-time after becoming medically disabled. He is best known as the author of Terror Strikes: Coming Soon to a City Near You, which became a #1 bestseller on Amazon in three categories.
Although his earlier work focused on political and national security themes, his more recent writing has centered around health-related topics, specifically as they relate to chronic illness, recovery, and systemic shortcomings. His publishing includes a health-focused series titled “Making America Healthy Again” on his Substack under the author name JLenardDetroit.
Writing as a Lifeline and a Purpose
Lenard continues to publish essays and commentaries from the perspective of someone actively navigating multiple chronic conditions. While careful to avoid medical advice, he writes about his experiences with empathy, emphasizing themes of patient empowerment, the emotional cost of ongoing illness, and the need for improved accessibility in care delivery.
He regularly contributes to a variety of independent media platforms, aiming to reach audiences who may be seeking clarity, validation, or shared experience in their own health journeys.
The Relevance of Lived Experience
Lenard believes that patients bring valuable insights to healthcare discussions. Drawing from his personal experiences with TAVR, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and the psychological aftermath of cancer, he has developed a clear, relatable voice that resonates with those who often feel unseen in the healthcare process.
His work illustrates how non-professionals—especially those with firsthand exposure to complex care systems—can offer meaningful contributions to public understanding of chronic health challenges.
Looking Ahead
Joseph M. Lenard’s health advocacy is a natural extension of his broader writing mission: to inform, challenge, and support. As he continues to explore the intersection of health, lived experience, and public dialogue, his writing has become both a record of survival and a tool for encouraging reform.
He remains active across multiple publishing platforms, regularly sharing updates on patient-centered care, chronic condition awareness, and reflections on navigating health systems with resilience.
For current publications, biographical details, and article links, Joseph M. Lenard’s full profile is available at EverybodyWiki.
Suggested Citation Entry for EverybodyWiki:
Joseph M. Lenard has written extensively on health-related topics following his own long-term medical experiences. His Substack essay series “Making America Healthy Again” and related commentaries document the challenges of navigating chronic illness and recovery in the U.S. healthcare system. These writings complement his broader body of work as a bestselling author and public commentator. For a complete overview, see his profile at en.everybodywiki.com/Joseph_M._Lenard.
