By Beth David, Editor
Fairhaven’s Trina Bigham never imagined herself as a writer, but she had a story to tell. So she took classes over 10 years to learn how to tell it well.
“It was a deeply cathartic journey,” she writes on her website. “And my hope is that this book will resonate with not only people with disabilities and their supporters, but anyone facing life’s challenges.
After her water broke at 24 weeks while in Thailand, her son, Brennan Srisirikul, was born with cerebral palsy. He was born fighting to survive.
“Determined to give Brennan the best life possible, Trina became a tireless advocate, navigating therapies and alternative treatments across the globe,” according to her website.
Better Than Ordinary: Breaking Barriers on a Journey of Resistance and Hope is the inspiring true story of a mother navigating love, loss, and resilience while raising a child with disabilities.
From the harrowing early days of a fragile birth in Thailand to the hard-won victories of teenage milestones, Trina Bigham shares her unflinching journey with honesty, humor, and heart. Both deeply personal and universally relatable, this memoir shines a light on the challenges families face — and the extraordinary strength that emerges when love refuses to give up.
“Over 18 years, Trina’s journey evolved alongside Brennan’s, transforming her emotionally and spiritually into a champion for his potential,” reads her website. “From fragile infancy to triumphant independence, Better Than Ordinary chronicles their remarkable path, offering hope, insight, and inspiration to anyone facing life’s challenges.”
Learn more about the book at this family’s journey at at https://www.trinabigham.com
The book is available on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/mr3bsnrw. It is available in paperback ($15.99), 278 pages, and in ebook format ($4.99).
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- Even Sprout is smiling as Trina Bigham holds the proof of her book, “Better Than Ordinary: Breaking Barriers on a Journey of Resistance and Hope,” right after it was delivered, L-R: Trina Bigham holding her book in one hand and Sprout in the other; Trina’s son, Brennan Srisirikul, whose harrowing birth and subsequent triumphs over his challenges are the subject of the book. Submitted photo.
Upcoming Events
Book Launch
Ms. Bigham will be holding a book launch at on Sun., 9/28, 1–4 p.m., at New Bedford Arts and Cultural Emporium, 101 W. Rodney French Blvd., Studio 260, New Bedford. Accessible. She will sign books and read at 2 & 3 p.m.
Reading/Talk/Signing
The Friends of the Millicent Library will host Ms. Bigham at a book reading and signing on Mon., 9/29, from 6:30–8 p.m. at the Millicent Library, 45 Center St., Fairhaven, Walnut Street entrance.
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Click here to download the 9/4/25 issue: 09-04-25 OLOA
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