When Linda Pierson first met Hazen at an amusement park, it was love at first sight. Hazen, a candle maker and rock and roller, captured Linda’s heart from the moment he walked by her photography booth. As Linda and Hazen began dating and eventually married, she had no idea of the challenges that would await both of them in the coming years.

After Linda joined Hazen in work and life, he suffered two strokes considered “reversible” through physical therapy and a change of medicine. But just two years later, he suffered another stroke that robbed him of his ability to walk and lead a normal life. As Linda and Hazen bravely faced their new challenge together, she details how he set out to prove the impossible was possible and surprised everyone around him by accomplishing more than anyone ever believed he could. As his health crises led him through a heart attack, quadruple bypass surgery, and eventually cancer, Linda shares a glimpse into a caregiver’s heart as she tended to his physical needs and, most importantly, loved him unconditionally.

Giving Up Is Not an Option is the true story of one couple’s journey together through nineteen years of health challenges as they persevered through their darkest days with love, faith, and hope.