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

Having a sick loved one is a very difficult situation, especially if the loved one involved is a child. It affects you physically if you directly care for that child. It affects you emotionally and mentally as you watch that child suffer and think of what would have happened if the child were healthy. Parents who pass through this stage successfully should be greatly appreciated.

Louis Unger, in First Survivor by Mark Unger, was a delightful child. When he complained of pain in his leg, he was diagnosed by his pediatrician, Dr. Germain, to have Legg-Calvé-Perthes, a rare ailment that afflicts children. However, after a while, Louis's mother, Mary, started noticing that he was sleeping more and growing weaker by the day. Alarmed, she took him again to the hospital to be examined. After many medical examinations of different forms, Louis was diagnosed with neuroblastoma stage four. This was a serious case of cancer that had a 30% chance of the child surviving the treatment. This was devastating news for Louis's parents. How did they manage this big obstacle that had come to destroy their happy family routine?

Louis was the perfect child patient. He always listened to instructions, and he did what the doctors told him to do. He was often described as a brave and happy boy who won the hearts of the hospital staff who took care of him. Louis's parents worked together to ensure that Louis was given the best care. Louis had an older brother, 5-year-old Harry, who also needed attention. His parents ensured that he was not starved of it either.

There was nothing for me to dislike in this book. It's a non-fiction book depicting the fight of two parents to save their young son. I was inspired by Louis's ability to withstand the painful treatment of neuroblastoma and relapse that introduced cancer to his brain. It was said in the book that no adult could withstand the type of treatment that Louis received. I liked how the author wrote the views of each member of the family about those trying days, and I was happy to learn from what they said that Louis being well again was a priority.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I found no errors. It was truly inspiring to read this book about a young boy who fought serious cases of cancer and won. This book would be a source of hope to many out there facing a similar situation as Louis's. I recommend this book to parents taking care of a child who is a neuroblastoma patient.

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First Survivor
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Navigating the challenges of a seriously ill child is emotionally and mentally taxing, as depicted in "First Survivor" by Mark Unger. Louis's parents faced the daunting reality of his neuroblastoma diagnosis with courage and resilience, highlighting the profound impact and strength required to support a sick loved one through such a difficult journey.

In "First Survivor" by Mark Unger, the emotional and mental strain of navigating a child's serious illness is poignantly depicted through the story of Louis's parents. Facing the devastating reality of their son's neuroblastoma diagnosis, they drew upon their courage and resilience to support him through his challenging journey, highlighting the immense impact and strength required to care for a sick loved one.

This book is not only a source of hope and inspiration for families facing similar battles but also a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome even the most daunting obstacles. The personal perspectives shared by each family member add depth to the narrative, offering a comprehensive view of the impact of a child’s illness on the entire family unit and emphasizing the importance of maintaining family bonds through adversity.

To navigate this traumatic experience, Mary and her husband likely relied on their love for their child, leaning on each other for strength, and finding solace in their community and medical team. This is a poignant reminder that life is often unpredictable, and the only certainty is the enduring power of love and support in times of adversity.