THE BOOK
Revised edition for 2026
Diagnosed with juvenile type 1 diabetes at age 17, Jim Stavis was told to expect a shortened lifespan filled with medical difficulties along the way. While some would choose to spend their time asking, "Why me?" and focusing on the very real possibility that their life would end before it even began, Stavis chose to tackle his medical issues head on—using positivity and hope as warriors in his fight against adversity.
As Jim's life unfolded, he realized the adversity that had occurred early on had actually been a blessing, as it taught him how to overcome life's greatest challenges. It served as a motivator to get his life on a successful path, both personally and in business. As events would occur, such as a devastating business fire, more health challenges and ultimately a rare triple organ transplant, it was the mindset Jim employed that he would not only survive, but flourish that got him through. He ultimately realized in his journey that we are all tested eventually. Through his real-life challenges that he overcame, and the wisdom gained, he hopes to be able to help others as they encounter their own adversity in life.
In this 2026 revised edition, Jim shares the next chapter of his journey, one marked by profound love, caregiving, loss and grief. After walking alongside his wife, Renee, through her courageous battle with ovarian cancer until her passing in August 2024, Jim reflects on what it means to find hope when facing one of life's deepest heartbreaks. This moving new chapter offers readers an honest and compassionate perspective on resilience, faith and carrying hope forward, even in the midst of unimaginable loss.
This book is about overcoming all the odds. It is achievement paired with loss, and accomplishment paired with adversity. It is having faith that in all things, even the most challenging and heartbreaking, you can learn and gain something important. It begins with the hope and belief that you can get through anything, even if it's your only option.
Read an excerpt
"The splintered wood of the telephone pole was hot and rough between my hands. I clung desperately to the pole, buckled into an obstacle course harness, wondering if it would hold me. I held tight, my body tingling with fear and anxiety. Sweat slid like wet sheets, not droplets, down the sides of my cheeks.
What was I doing? How did I get here? What would happen to me now?”
Continue reading in When Hope Is Your Only Option.
Book Reviews
“I loved this book. Jim is a very strong and inspirational man. Although he was faced with great adversity he remained positive throughout, and is blessed with a wonderful support group of family and friends. This book is an autobiography of his life to date, what was wonderful about this book also was that throughout telling his story he provides reflective questions for the reader to look at in there own life, it helped me greatly. Thank you Jim for a very inspiring book, thank you also to the publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.”
—Michelle Murray, NetGalley
★★★★★
"I am glad and feel grateful to this author for sharing his story. It is inspiring to know that it is up to us as individuals when going through a crises that we each have strengths to tap into that determine whether we overcome adversity. To know that we will all inevitably will be tested during our lives by loss or change to our circumstances and it is the choices we make that determines our outcomes. By keeping a positive attitude and never losing hope by taking action steps and choosing to take responsibility towards our adversity lies within each one of us. Thank you Jim Stavis for being generous to share your story and inspiring in us that with hope we can overcome that which is in our power to change."
—Karen Murphy, Goodreads.com
★★★★★
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