NOW

AUTHOR, LAQUITA DIAN, SHARES THE TRIUMPHANT TRANSFORMATION FROM FAMILY TRAGEDY, ALCOHOLISM, AND ADDICTION, TO A PROFOUND LIFE PURPOSE THROUGH THE POWER OF LOVE.

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  • WESTERN REGIONAL DIRECTOR, CHRISTOPHER & DANA REEVE FOUNDATION (RETIRED)

    Laquita’s story is for every mom or dad, sibling or friend who ever loved someone more than life itself…  a story for everyone who faces demons and fights dragons head-on, without restraint or reluctance, with no thought of the dangers ahead and no assurance of tomorrow. It’s a story about a mother’s fierce, holy battle for her children and, in the end, for herself. 

    Rise Together is a roadmap not only for families facing spinal cord injury and addiction but for everyone; for certainly, if one single mom can conquer these conflicts, then there must be hope for the rest of us as we struggle to find joy. Laquita’s gut-wrenching journey is about finding peace, wholeness, and joy. Give this book to someone you love.

    — DEBORAH FLYNN, Mother of Amazing C4-5 Quadriplegic Son

  • REGISTERED NURSE

    Laquita Dian's book 'Rise Together' deeply moved me with its powerful testimony about perseverance. Aaron and Laquita's stories, both individual and shared, offer profound lessons on facing life's inevitable challenges and choosing our responses.

    Their journey illustrates the 'I am Possible' mindset, turning the 'Impossible' into reality. I was particularly touched by the portrayal of Aaron's vulnerability and determination, as well as Laquita's reflections on redefining life. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration on overcoming adversity with love and resilience.

    — MICHELLE M.

  • AUTHOR OF ENLIGHTENED CAREGIVING FOR MEN WHO CARE

    It has become abundantly clear that both the care recipient and the caregiver need to forge a partnership as two equal sources of inspiration to achieve optimum results. Aaron and Laquita are living proof of this vital principle.

    Reading Aaron’s book, The Rebellious Recovery, gave me a tremendous appreciation for Laquita and her role as a caregiver in the success of his recovery. But nothing surprised me more than the profound impact that Laquita’s memoir, which you are about to read here, had on me. Each exquisitely written chapter was a cathartic experience, and I was moved to tears.

    The depth of Laquita’s soul is boundless. Her indomitable spirit in the face of adversity within her family, her strength of character, her love, and her unfathomable purposefulness (her “Why”) are astonishing. 

    — RON SEIGEL, AUTHOR

  • TALENT REPRESENTATIVE

    Laquita's 'Rise Together' is a gripping read that showcases her journey from heartbreak to heroism. Her vivid storytelling draws readers into her world of vulnerability and empowerment, serving as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of relentless optimism.

    The book delves into the profound effects of health crises on families, highlighting Laquita's extraordinary efforts to open new doors for her son. It's a compelling narrative that instills a deep belief in the possible, inspiring readers, especially those facing similar challenges, to seek innovative solutions and never give up hope

    — SHELLEY KELLY

  • MOTHER OF C5 QUADRIPLEGIC SON

    Rise Together resonated deeply, bolstering my courage and reinforcing the power of love, perseverance, and determination. My encounter with Laquita in 2018, after my own son's life-altering injury, brought me an understanding and courage that only someone who has walked a similar path could provide.

    Laquita's narrative, filled with fierce love and unwavering courage, is not just her story but a beacon for others. Her humility and vulnerability, paired with insightful lessons, make this book a valuable guide for anyone navigating life's daunting challenges. It's more than a read; it's a source of hope and a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome. 'Rise Together' isn't just Laquita's journey; it's an invitation to all to find their path to rising above adversity.

    — SHELLEY CARLSON, SINGER

  • HR EXECUTIVE

    This poignant narrative delves into the profound realms of love and the intricate tapestry of the human condition. Laquita and Aaron's journey unfolds as a compelling testament to strength, persistence, and unwavering determination, leaving an indelible mark on the reader.

    Having devoted six years to nightly visits with my comatose mother until her passing at eighteen, and currently tending to my schizophrenic sibling while navigating the challenges of single parenthood, the themes of resilience in this literary work resonate with profound depth. Laquita and Aaron's experiences, masterfully depicted, evoke a spectrum of emotions—from tears to laughter and sheer awe.

    This book emerges as a wellspring of inspiration, offering solace and motivation to confront the adversities that life inevitably presents. In every facet, this narrative stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and its remarkable capacity to surmount seemingly insurmountable challenges.

    I wholeheartedly recommend immersing oneself in the pages of this literary work. Its captivating narrative not only promises a delightful reading experience but also offers a profoundly enriching journey.

    —Emi Pastor

laquita

Meet

Laquita Dian is a dynamic woman. Native to Oklahoma, she moved to Carmel on the Monterey Peninsula of California in the early 80’s. Here she raised her two children while working as an executive buyer, sales manager, and lead designer curating an extensive collection of antiquities, fine art, oriental rugs, and treasures from around the world for a high-end antique gallery.

Laquita is well traveled;  fluent in foreign lands, arts, and the people who inhabit them;  and respected by foreign nationalists whom she conducted business with. Her world was reshaped when in the late 90’s, her son suffered a catastrophic, disabling spinal cord injury and her daughter fell into the grip of self-destruction. 

She embraced the role as a caregiver and earned decades of hands-on experience with trauma recovery. She managed a cross-country tandem bike tour for her disabled son and rode part time while also securing fundraising events, speaking engagements, sponsorship appearances, and media coverage. The following year, she managed a second cross-country bike tour, but rode full-time beside her son the four thousand miles across America.

Laquita co-founded and served as CEO of the Center of Restorative Exercise (C.O.R.E.), a specialized gym focused on helping improve the quality of life for those who suffer a disabling condition. She sold C.O.R.E in 2019. Now a mentor, public speaker, and author residing in Los Angeles enjoying time with her two children, three grandchildren, and her partner Hans.