Erika L. Orriss is the author of Twenty Years & Six Months: A Story of Hope. In this book she details journey of her survival from a sudden rare autoimmune illness, Guillain Barre Syndrome.  Erika Orriss is also a licensed mental health counselor.  After years as a software engineer, she felt compelled to give back after her journey of incomprehensible suffering.  Although she loves to help those with illness, chronic illness and pain, she finds helping all who struggle very gratifying and has devoted her life to it.  She finally put pen to paper although it took many years as the tortuous memories got in the way each time she would try to write.  It took in fact,  twenty years to be exact after her six-month hospital stay, hence the title "Twenty Years & Six Months".  Ms.  Orriss is very active in her community and thrives on the betterment of those in need.  In addition to writing, she enjoys living close to the Atlantic Ocean and spends much of her time on the water with family and friends.  She has unshakable faith, loves her family and is a new grandma. These are gifts she never thought she would see and says every day off the ventilator is a great day. You can sign up to get updates about her writing here.