Racing Uphill: Confronting a Life with Epilepsy

by Stacia Kalinoski

The candid, inspiring story of a woman’s experience with a chronic, unpredictable neurological condition

When twenty-nine-year-old reporter Stacia Kalinoski regained consciousness on a couch at the  TV station where she worked, she assumed that she’d had another seizure. But the electrical storm that had just torn through her brain was more destructive than she could have imagined, and the broadcast journalism career she loved swiftly came to an end. Forced to confront the reality of her medical condition, Kalinoski made the risky decision to undergo brain surgery, targeting the epilepsy that was ravaging her life.

In Racing Uphill, Kalinoski describes the seizures that occurred while she was running, which led to her pursuit of an uncertain cure. Rallying the grit she developed as an athlete and engaging the research and reporting skills she acquired as a journalist, she gives us a rare inside look at the ways epilepsy can change a life. Moving beyond her own personal experience, Kalinoski interviews prominent epileptologists to understand how seizures can spread, steal memories, and create strange behaviors and mood disorders. She seamlessly joins what she learned from her research with her own story, offering valuable insight into the experience of grappling with a relentless neurological disease.

The vivid auras that preceded seizures and the damage that followed; the toll of her epilepsy on her family and loved ones; the extraordinary determination her reckoning required—these are all part of Kalinoski’s story of adversity, denial, acceptance, and resilience. In sharing the remarkable opportunity that epilepsy presented for her courage and growth in this epilepsy memoir, Stacia Kalinoski speaks to anyone facing an uphill battle and offers inspiration for taking control of one’s own health.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Health

232 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2025

About the author

Stacia Kalinoski is an Emmy Award–winning TV news journalist whose documentary "Brainstorm" premiered on Twin Cities PBS and was nominated for a regional Emmy Award. Before a seizure ended her broadcast journalism career, she reported for television stations in Nebraska, Oregon, and Michigan. She now shares her story as a motivational speaker.

She wrote this epilepsy memoir to educate people because seizures come in many forms, with a wide range of behaviors. Stacia's own epileptologist called her seizures unique, unusual, and bizarre. She hopes a greater understanding of epilepsy will help people recognize seizures and step in to help someone suffering from one.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Stacia's story is both terrifying and uplifting. The seizure she experienced were unlike any I've read about before. The courage it took for her to write openly about her life is truly amazing.
I took suffer from seizures. Although, I had a severe allergic reaction to an anticonvulsant medication and developed TENS, which has made me legally blind and nearly killed me. To this day, I can't take medication for my seizures.
I hope her story is inspiring to other people who have epilepsy to not give up!

[Library of Dreaming (Bookstagram) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publishers for an early look at this book!

RACING UPHILL is a memoir and exploration of epilepsy by journalist and athlete Stacia Kalinoski. Epilepsy has taken most of Kalinoski’s memories, so she applied her investigative journalism skills to reconstruct her life.

RACING UPHILL is a fascinating read! I didn’t realize how little I knew about epilepsy until Kalinoski drew the curtain back and shared her personal experience. At times, it was a hard read too as Kalinoski often made dangerous and harmful choices in order to appear “normal” and deny the reality of epilepsy.

I appreciated the way the author interspersed scientific research and into her personal stories, but I wish we had heard more from other people who have epilepsy. At times, I felt like the author was a bit judgmental towards other people with epilepsy who didn’t follow the exact path she did. I know it might’ve pushed the concept of “memoir”, but I would have liked to get a more diverse perspective on epilepsy.

I was a bit wary as the author is now a motivational speaker, but I think this book is a solid and realistic mix of pragmatism and hope. Kalinoski has not “overcome” epilepsy, but learned to live with it. I think this book is a must read to learn more about epilepsy and break down the stigma and misunderstandings about this neurological condition.

[Jessica Milliner · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Racing Uphill’ is a story about Stacia who has to go through epilepsy throughout her life. Her story is amazing on how she overcomes it. Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for giving me an opportunity to read this book and do a review.

[Lupita_333 (on a break) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very informative memoir that gives insight as to what it’s like to live with epilepsy. Stacia Kalinosli shares what it was like searching for answers to her illness, trying different treatments, and trying to hide how severe her illness truly was from her loved ones. She writes about how epilepsy affected every aspect of her life including her memory and career. Her powerful story gives hope to those struggling with epilepsy and or other chronic illnesses / disabilities.

Stacia Kalinosli is very resilient. Her story is eye opening and thought provoking. Many readers will be able to relate Stacia when she writes what it’s like being health then having her health decline. I admire her so much. It’s very beautiful how she’s sharing her story that will help so many others. .

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Thomas Kalinoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative personal account of living life with epilepsy. Well-written and researched

[Jaimie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off Happy Pub Day 🥳🥳🥳

As soon as I saw this book I knew I NEEDED to read it !!!
Ahh I have so many emotions & feelings about this book .. I felt all her experiences to my core ...
I have never related so much to a book before .
Epilepsy is a very common disease unfortunately that doesn't get talked about enough .. people don't know enough about it or honestly to care to know because people don't realize what it does to a person & everyone around them. It can be a very scary & lonely disease .
There's SO MANY emotions & struggles that go along with Epilepsy on the daily . Constantly. It never ends .

When I was 5 I had a brain tumor but after had a good 10 years of life , until I was 16 & developed Epilepsy. My seizures are alot like Stacia described .. although I've never watched videos of myself having seizures , i see the terror on the faces of my loved ones & feel shame I did that to them even though I would never intentionally do that. For Stasia to write this book takes an enormous about of strength & I'm so proud of her for sharing her story & hopefully getting more people to care about this disease as well.
I love that her story had a happy ending as so many with Epilepsy do not get that happy ending . It's very encouraging to read .
Taking on brain surgery is gnarly !!! Myself , I've been there & done & do not plan on ever doing that again 🙃
In her case though she knew she had a chance to cure herself which is amazing but still .. the courage it takes to undergo brain surgery is not for the weak which people associate with Epilepsy . We are weird... Weak.. crazy .. unpredictable.
This girls mindset throughout her journey is anything but weak & again I'm so happy for her happy ending.
God bless for sharing your story. It's sooo important & necessary.

& To anyone suffering with Epilepsy or honestly anything you have to just keep swimming.
One day at a time 💜
Never give up !

Thank you to #Netgalley & Stacia Kalinoski for sharing her story , I know it was hard but thank you for continuing to try & educate the world on this terrible destructive disease. 💜🤘

[Michelle Tuite · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading 2025
Book 104: Racing Uphill: Confronting a Life with Epilepsy by Stacia Kalinoski

Thanks to #NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review. Pub day for this book is July 1. I have been reading a bunch of books, memoirs mostly, where the author is dealing with Epilepsy in their life, either their own disease or a loved one's. Read this book on my Kindle.

Synopsis: When twenty-nine-year-old reporter Stacia Kalinoski regained consciousness on a couch at the TV station where she worked, she assumed that she’d had another seizure. But the electrical storm that had just torn through her brain was more destructive than she could have imagined, and the broadcast journalism career she loved swiftly came to an end. Forced to confront the reality of her medical condition, Kalinoski made the risky decision to undergo brain surgery, targeting the epilepsy that was ravaging her life.

Review: WOW! So much happens to Stacia during the time of this memoir. She starts having seizures in her 20s, as a competitive runner in college, and they derail her life. Lots of ups and downs, as has been our experience with Epilepsy. A book I recommend, my rating 4.25⭐️.

[Danna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Racing Uphill is a powerful memoir that details the author Stacia’s journey to an epilepsy and heart condition diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Stacia was in college when her first seizures started interfering with her life. Stacia ran track and was healthy, so she experienced real dissonance at the seizures that left her bruised, banged up, confused, often unable to remember the events that preceded them. Stacia details a level of denial that is impossible to fathom. Stacia wants to be able to keep running, working and remain free of stigma, so she tells herself endless stories and lies to convince herself she is safe and healthy. She’s not. Stacia’s hundreds of seizures a year are “bizarre”, wild and absolutely devastating.

In addition to sharing her personal story, Stacia shares bits of information and medical knowledge about her condition, the types of seizures she has, and medical testing and treatment. I found it all fascinating.

This book is readable, despite the many lows of the story. And ultimately, Stacia leaves the reader with a message of hope.

Recommended. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jean Mader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Racing Uphill is an inspiring and powerful memoir that captures the strength and resilience of Stacia Kalinowski. A former college athlete and successful TV news reporter, Stacia’s world was turned upside down by the onset of debilitating seizures. Her journey through misdiagnosis, job loss, and ultimately brain surgery is both heart-wrenching and deeply moving. What stands out most is her unwavering determination and hope, even in the face of life-altering challenges. Her story is a testament to the power of persistence, the importance of medical research, and the strength of a supportive family. Stacia’s bravery not only led her to healing but also inspired her to create the documentary Brainstorm, bringing greater awareness to epilepsy. I highly recommend this memoir to anyone looking for a story of courage and triumph.

Thank you to NetGalley and the University of Minnesota Press for the advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.

[Suziknits · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew a little about epilepsy as there was a child in my elementary school class that had one in class. Then 20 year later I had a co-worker who told us about it and what to do if she had one. She couldn't drive so I knew that about that. But, wow, I didn't know a lot after all.

Having it come on in her 20's, living her life, it must have been so scary for Stacia navigating it all on her own. This was very well written and informative. A very scary thing to go through for Stacia's family and friends. I didn't know there were that many different forms that it can take. I'm glad she was able to get in to see the Dr's she needed to see to figure this out.

I'm glad also that she was able to get her story out there with her Brainstorm documentary.

Thanks NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad the author chose to write “Racing Uphill”, and I hope it receives a good reception. Epilepsy can be a devastating disease but also a disease with which people can live fulfilling lives. Stacia does a great job of describing the impact of epilepsy on her life and the lives of those around her. She also describes how difficult it is to accept having a chronic illness, especially one that is unpredictable and hard to understand or explain, both for the sufferer (who often has no memory of the seizure) or the observer.

[Sara Adib · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this memoir feeling both inspired and educated. Stacia takes us through her experience of developing epilepsy as D1 athlete - from diagnosis and avoidance, to eventual acceptance and making it her mission to help reduce the stigma around this condition. Throughout the book, it's clear her experience as an athlete influenced her mindset and resilience. I also learned a lot about epilepsy from the medical details in this memoir.

[Erin Steva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Racing Uphill is an easy and engrossing read. I learned so much about epilepsy and appreciate the author's vulnerability.

[Hannah Snobeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun to see a local -ish author from Thief Falls, MN publish such an authentic book. She has a great story that deserves to be heard

[Brita Koivisto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing book about her life, recommend to all!!