Self-Published Author & Advocate
Books born from lived experience — written for the person who just received news that changed everything, and for the family trying to make sense of it together.
The Mission
A BRCA-positive diagnosis rewrites your sense of self overnight. The fear, the decisions, the grief for a body you thought you knew — these are real, and they deserve honest conversation. That's why these books exist: to be the companion you wish someone had handed you, and to give families the language to talk about the hard things together.
Available in English & SpanishThe Journey to My New Normal — A Memoir of Being BRCA Positive
An unflinching, compassionate memoir guiding readers through the emotional and medical journey of a BRCA-positive diagnosis — the surgeries, the fears, and the unexpected path toward a new definition of normal.
Order on Amazon →El Viaje a Mi Nueva Normalidad — Una Memoria de Ser BRCA Positiva
La versión en español de Modified — porque los recursos para la comunidad hispana que enfrenta un diagnóstico BRCA son escasos. Esta historia fue escrita para ti, en tu idioma.
Ordenar en Amazon →Supporting Families of Pre and Post Cancer
A gentle, reassuring story to help children — and the grown-ups who love them — find the words when cancer touches a family. A bridge between fear and understanding, written with warmth and hope. Illustrated by Eleonora D'Amico.
Order on Amazon →Why It Matters
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that help suppress tumor growth. When a mutation is present, the risk of breast and ovarian cancer increases significantly — yet many people receive this diagnosis with little guidance on what comes next. These books aim to change that.
Representation matters deeply. Resources in Spanish for the BRCA community are rare. Modified / Modificada was written to bridge that gap and ensure more families have access to support in their own language.
Get in Touch
Gladys Clausen, born and raised outside of Boston, Massachusetts, values the life and relationships she has built in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, where she now calls home. Brought up in a modest household in a bilingual home, Gladys grew up with her parents and middle brother. Her days were filled with ballet, flamenco classes, and time spent with family and friends.
Gladys attended Northeastern University in Boston so that she could stay close to home and still be a part of her father's flamenco company, El Arte Flamenco. As a young adult, she found success working with people in the customer service industry and quickly found herself in management positions.
Married at 27 and a mother at 29, Gladys happily transitioned to the important role of stay-at-home mother, putting all of her energy into her family. Modified is her first nonfiction book. When not writing or creating, she is an avid hiker, baker, gardener, nature enthusiast, and mother to three growing children.
Connect with MeA beautiful inspiration account of BRCA journey. Both informative and also an enjoyable read — her narration is highly personal and upbeat while also not skipping the scary realities of those that face this and the hard but empowering choices that come with these genetic mutations. I learned so much and my own journey has been altered for the better because of Gladys' courage to write this and the engaging storytelling that kept me turning the pages. Thank you Gladys!
In this refreshingly candid read, the author shares her very personal and surprisingly lighthearted account of her journey through her family history, BRCA1 diagnosis and the tough decisions that followed. Readers get to experience her journey through 2 surgeries within a year on her way to a cancer free and healthy future — with all the road bumps and obstacles that remind the reader that every journey is unique, but also relatable. But don't think for a minute you can put this book down!
Gladys shares her journey with the BRCA gene and her steps to remain cancer free. You can feel how difficult these decisions were for her. A good resource for anyone going through this journey.
This book was hard to put down once I started it. It takes the reader through the entire journey of medical procedures, the decision making process Gladys had to go through, her thoughts and mindset throughout the process, and the emotional roller coaster that accompanied it all. I was so impressed with her strength and ability to self advocate. An inspirational read.
Gladys Clausen's Modified is a powerful and deeply personal memoir that explores resilience, transformation, and the search for identity in a rapidly changing world. Her ability to weave vulnerability with insight makes every chapter feel like a conversation with a trusted friend. Engaging, thought-provoking, and beautifully written — a must-read for anyone who appreciates memoirs that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. Highly recommended!
Modified is a powerful, easy read that blends hard truths with personal experience and thoughtful advice. What I appreciated most was the balance between raw honesty and practical guidance. Whether you're BRCA positive yourself, supporting a loved one, or just looking for a friend's voice to ring in your head as you navigate a medical challenge, this is worth the read.
A beautiful story of the harrowing experience of being BRCA+. A great resource for patients and their supporters. From the moment of receiving devastating news to a triumphant recovery, Gladys uses her voice to remind everyone to advocate for themselves through statistics, personal experience and humor. A must read!
You never know what someone is going through. A lovely young woman, appearing to "have it all", is given devastating news. In this book, the author takes her readers from pre-diagnosis through her surgeries and her triumphant recovery — with grace, grit and humor. This book would be a wonderful gift for someone facing similar hardships. Highly recommend!
In Modified the author shares her difficult journey with honesty, grace and humor. Her vulnerable and relatable approach leaves you feeling like you are reading her personal diary. It's amazing and admirable that Gladys was able to get to the other side of this hard and painful experience and then create this beautiful gift for others. If you or a loved one are facing a similar challenging time, you need to read this book!
Excelente libro. Me encantó cómo la autora comparte su camino personal al enfrentar el diagnóstico de ser BRCA1 positiva. Su valentía me inspiró a cuidar mi salud cada día. También me enseñó a siempre buscar una segunda opinión al consultar a un médico. ¡Gracias, Gladys, por este gran libro!
This book gives you hope after reading it. It inspires you to be patient and wait for a loved one's recovery from surgery. It will encourage you to be positive about your future.
A BRCA diagnosis comes with an overwhelming amount of information — and often, not enough support. These trusted organizations and tools can help you navigate next steps, find community, and make informed decisions.
The leading nonprofit supporting people with hereditary breast, ovarian, and related cancers. Offers peer support, research updates, and a vibrant community.
Visit facingourrisk.org →Dedicated to funding research and providing education for those affected by BRCA mutations. Find local events, clinical trials, and educational materials.
Visit brca.org →A trusted source for cancer information, research updates, support resources, and guidance for patients and families navigating a cancer journey.
Visit cancer.org →Resources on hereditary breast cancer, genetic testing, and early detection — including guides in multiple languages to serve diverse communities.
Visit nationalbreastcancer.org →Looking for more? Reach out to Gladys directly — she's happy to share additional resources, connect you with support groups, or simply listen. Send a message here.
Wellness products hand-picked by Gladys to support proactive health during any health journey — and to promote overall wellbeing every day. Each item has been personally selected with care and intention.
✦ This page contains affiliate links. Gladys may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. ✦
A specially designed pillow providing gentle support and comfort during post-mastectomy recovery. Helps relieve pressure and makes resting easier after surgery.
Shop on Amazon →Discreet, comfortable holders that keep surgical drains secure and out of the way during recovery — making daily movement so much easier.
Shop on Amazon →A trusted silicone-based formula that helps minimize the appearance of scars over time. Gentle, effective, and a key part of post-surgical skin care.
Shop on Amazon →A soft, padded cover that cushions the seat belt from pressing on sensitive chest areas — a small but essential comfort for any car trip during recovery.
Shop on Amazon →Amazon's camisoles are easy to step into and pull up while recovering from a mastectomy — a simple, comfortable solution that makes getting dressed so much easier during healing.
Shop on Amazon →The comforting weight of this blanket promotes calm, reduces anxiety, and encourages better sleep — a cozy companion through any recovery journey.
Shop on Amazon →Impossibly soft and cozy, these luxurious socks are the ultimate comfort item for recovery days spent resting at home. A little luxury that goes a long way.
Shop on Amazon →Gladys's go-to tea for quiet mornings, moments of calm, and gentle nourishment during recovery. A warm cup of comfort whenever you need it most.
Shop on Amazon →Gina Homolka of Skinnytaste has been a longtime favorite in Gladys's kitchen. Her cookbooks make it easy and delicious to eat healthy — full of lightened-up recipes that never sacrifice flavor. A perfect resource for anyone looking to nourish their body during and after a health journey.
Gina Homolka's original bestselling cookbook — light on calories, big on flavor. Easy, family-friendly recipes that make healthy eating a joy, not a chore.
Shop on Amazon →Quick weeknight meals and slow cooker favorites all in one — perfect for busy days when you still want to eat well. A kitchen staple for healthy, stress-free cooking.
Shop on Amazon →One pan, one pot, one sheet — minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. These simple, nutritious recipes are ideal for recovery days when energy is precious.
Shop on Amazon →Plan ahead and eat well all week. Gina's meal prep guide takes the guesswork out of healthy eating — a lifesaver for busy families and anyone prioritizing their wellness.
Shop on Amazon →For book orders, speaking engagements, media inquiries, or just to share your story — Gladys would love to hear from you.
