About
Adora Hooper's journey is one of resilience and triumph. Raised in the serene Sierra Nevada mountains by conservative Seventh Day Adventists, she faced a turbulent high school experience after leaving her mountain home and moving to the Oregon Coast due to her father's health issues. However, Adora persevered and graduated with honors, even earning college credits along the way.
In 2014, Adora relocated to Minnesota to be closer to her grandparents and pursued a Bachelor's Degree in K-8 education with a focus on Special Education. During her senior year of high school, she had already showcased her literary talents by writing and editing her first book, "Time In Space," which she published. Unfortunately, her life took an unexpected turn just months later when she experienced a severe psychotic breakdown and was diagnosed with schizophrenia by a psychiatrist. Devastatingly, she was advised to abandon her dreams of teaching and starting a family.
Facing immense challenges, Adora dropped out of college and nearly lost her relationship with her significant other in the aftermath of the traumatic experience. She grappled with her disability, learning to accept the limitations it imposed. However, with the support of professionals, her family, and the grace of God, she found the strength to overcome the voice that urged her to relinquish her hopes and dreams.
In 2016, Adora and her significant other enjoyed a spiritual ceremony in lieu of a traditional wedding soon after being baptized. The following year, they purchased their first house, and to their astonishment, they welcomed their first child despite being told that a viable pregnancy was highly unlikely. This unexpected blessing propelled them forward, and Adora's experiences in education proved invaluable as they navigated their child's disability and made the decision to homeschool.
Today, Adora and her partner continue to stand strong together. Adora remains dedicated to writing books and articles that raise awareness about mental illness and the significance of service animals. Her educational background proves instrumental in advocating for her children's needs, and she cherishes every opportunity to empower others with her story. With determination and a resilient spirit, Adora Hooper inspires others to defy the odds and embrace the beauty that can emerge from life's most challenging circumstances.
Books
Whispers of Strength
A Schizophrenics Daily Journey Through the First Year of Motherhood
Originally intended as a gift for her child when he was grown, Whispers of Strength: A Schizophrenic's Daily Journey Through the First Year of Motherhood is a refreshing and honest glimpse into a schizophrenic's day to day struggles and joys of being a mother with mental illness. Adora, who goes by The Schizophrenic Mom on her blog, was raised in a conservative household while her partner was raised in a more progressive family. This book highlights her journey of growth in her own faith as she deciphers exactly what God's path is for her life. More than anything, she wants to decrease stigma surrounding mental illness in every aspect: the church setting, family setting, community setting, and even inside treatment settings. She is very proud of her journey "through the strength and grace of God."
Whispers of Prayer
A Schizophrenics Daily Journey Through the Second Year of Motherhood
Originally intended for family use, Whispers of Prayer: A Schizophrenics Daily Journey Through the Second Year of Motherhood chronicles her struggles as her family navigated the beginnings of a medical diagnosis for their son while coping with the world's shutdown during the onset of COVID - and her heartfelt prayers to seek strength from God to stand by her and her family through these trials. Adora, who goes by The Schizophrenic Mom on her blog, was raised in a conservative household while her partner was raised in a more progressive family. This book highlights her journey of growth in understanding the power of prayer and accepting her mental illness as she deciphers exactly what God's path is for her life during the second year of motherhood. Adora consistently says that she shares her journey "with the grace God grants, one prayer at a time." Her fervent hope is for her daily struggles to become more accepted within a world holding less judgment, extending from family members to medical professionals. Her desire aimed at creating a space where individuals like her can live their lives peacefully, both inwardly and outwardly, drives her forward with "Him forever by her side."