Review of First Survivor

[Eric DUSHIMIRIMANA]

[Following is a volunteer review of "First Survivor" by Mark Unger.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

This book, “First Survivor,” by Mark Unger, captures a long battle Mark Unger and his wife—Mary Ellen—fought to save Louis Unger (their son) from neuroblastoma, a hard-to-cure form of cancer. The family faced the challenge with praiseworthy serenity and sanity. Louis Unger became a historic survivor of neuroblastoma. According to the author, “If [we] openly panic and lose [our] control, we invite chaos into [our lives].” (See page 14.)

We learn that the book is called “First Survivor” for a reason. Louis Unger was the first to survive a relapse of neuroblastoma. The young boy had to undergo a cancer treatment protocol that was still in its trial phase. Because of this reason, a medical procedure—called “Unger Protocol”—was named after him. Louis Unger changed the world for the better.

In addition, this book reveals how Unger’s family meticulously and diligently gathered and absorbed knowledge to advocate for their patient, Louis Unger. We learn how the family changed patient advocacy for the better.

Furthermore, in this book, we are astonished by how Louis Unger walked the thorny part of his life as a neuroblastoma patient. Given a series of painful cancer treatment procedures the three-year-old boy endured, we are led to think that this young boy was “out of his body.”

Moreover, in this book, we “meet” many “unsung” heroes whose life goal is to cure cancer.

Besides, this book houses a great deal of knowledge about cancer. The author must have endeavored to make esoteric knowledge about cancer common knowledge.

The story is written in a detailed and vividly depictable way; the book is enjoyable. I found only minor errors in the book. The book can empower us to handle life-threatening diseases such as cancer with serenity and sanity; the positive impact of the book cannot be overestimated. I have nothing negative to say about the book. Because of these reasons, I rated the book five out of five stars.

This book would benefit cancer patients, cancer survivors, oncologists, and families going through cancer. Nevertheless, since cancer can attack anyone, anyone who can read should read “First Survivor.”

******
First Survivor
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[David Samanthaa]

In First Survivor, Mark Unger recounts the extraordinary story of his son Louis. Despite the grim diagnosis, Louis's courage shines through, making this a truly uplifting read

[Amy Luman]

It is such a good thing that Mark and Mary Ellen were so attuned to their child that they were able to see the changes in Louis and take him to a medical professional. I’m also glad that they were able to develop a protocol for treatment of this disease that can improve survival. Thanks!