A Story of Acceptance: Book Shares Joliet Man’s Medical Journey

It was a medical journey that would last nearly a decade, with countless visits to doctors and specialists.

As Randy Beal fought the illness that would eventually confine him to a wheelchair, he searched not only for answers, but also for acceptance.

Over the years, doctors diagnosed him with everything from Lyme disease to African sleeping sickness to bad jet lag.

In “Undiagnosed: A Journey of Hope,” Beal shares the story of the odyssey that would bring him to grips with his eventual diagnosis: multiple sclerosis.

“I’d been told the diagnosis numerous times,” but struggled with denial, said Beal, “so it really was a story of acceptance.”

Beal, who lives in Joliet with his wife, Emily, said he shared his story to help others facing similar battles.

“I’ve always wanted to write a book, but I didn’t have a story,” said Beal, 33. “I didn’t choose this story, but I thought it could help a lot of people.”

The book was a five-year labor of love. With the help of weekly Skype chats with longtime friend Bob Contino, the story slowly came together.

“At times, I would read what we wrote and I was rooting for the character Randy,” Beal joked, admitting the process helped him as much as he hopes it will help readers.

“It was therapeutic, to get it all out there,” he said. “I shed a tear or two. It was kind of like purging myself.”

The self-published book, released April 23, is ultimately a story of hope, according to Beal.

“No matter what, you can get through it,” he said.

Beal will make his book-signing debut Sunday at his alma mater.

A 1997 LTHS graduate, he is scheduled to appear from 7:30 to 10 a.m. April 29, prior to the Lockport Township High School Foundation 5K Run-Walk at the campus, 1333 E. Seventh St. in Lockport.

Beal said the best place to pick up the book is his website, www.randybeal.com.

“Undiagnosed” is also available at www.bn.com and www.amazon.com. A Kindle version of the book is due later this year, Beal said.