OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough" by Mark Unger.]

Parents love to share their children’s progress and successes with others. First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough by Mark Unger is such a parent’s story. Mark told the true story of Louis's healing journey from a devastating diagnosis of "zero chance of survival" to his triumphant designation as the First Survivor.

It began when Mary Ellen (Lou’s mother) noticed that their three-year-old son was walking strangely. Tests revealed a rare disease called Legg-Calvé-Perthes. Lou did not improve, and further diagnostic tests revealed a more severe condition. The family now faced seven years filled with a multitude of tests, scans, protocols, and treatments. Lou alternated his time between the hospital and days at home with Harry, his older brother.

During this whole ordeal, Mark’s method of handling this overwhelming situation was to keep a journal of his questions, feelings, Lou's treatments, medications, and comments on Lou’s progress. The journal was a log of his observations, investigations, and determination to search for the best treatment possible for his ailing son. It became the foundation for his advocacy for his little boy and his relentless search for a new medical path to conquer childhood cancer.

I enjoyed the photographs included in the text that showed Lou’s progress and growth. This beautiful three-year-old boy has an infectious smile and a sparkle in his eye that melted my heart. The vivid descriptions of his life during these years moved me to tears when Lou suffered and to laughter when he was able to play with Harry. I appreciated the notes about Harry, Lou’s older brother, and how the separation and treatment affected his life and emotions. Mark’s notes and Mary Ellen’s reflections impacted me as they revealed their struggle to manage this overwhelming situation. One of Mark’s quotes that motivated me was: “There are no dead ends, only new paths.”

Mark shared the detailed log of all the medications Lou received. Some of these journal entries became very technical as he described medical procedures and identified specific medications and precise dosages. I also found it challenging to read the description of Lou’s reaction to certain treatments that caused excruciating pain. I encountered several misspelled words and missing commas.

Mark and Mary Ellen were acute observers of their son’s health. On several occasions, it was their advocacy for their son that convinced the medical staff to hear their pleas for immediate treatment outside of the established protocol. They didn’t let the doctors’ diplomas, titles, and white coats intimidate them. Mark invited readers to educate themselves and never be afraid to question and search for new treatments. That included transferring to a different hospital and working with a new medical team. Their advocacy for their son resulted in Lou becoming the first patient to receive a new protocol that saved his life. The Ungers founded the Carrot Seed Foundation to continue advocating for children’s health.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The grammatical errors and the frequent descriptions of medicines and lists of dosages received are the main reasons for not awarding the full rating. Lou’s story would inspire anyone who has suffered a debilitating illness. The amazing spirit and perseverance of this three-year-old boy will lift your spirits. Parents of hospitalized children would find hope and comfort in Lou’s story. Mark and Mary Ellen shared their path to advocacy. Their example is a guide for all people who find themselves in a catastrophic medical situation where they need to go up against the behemoth of big medicine. Some readers might appreciate Mark’s comments about how they dealt with all the financial and insurance issues.

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First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough
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Sounds like a true heart-wrenching and yet an encouraging story. I believe the author had more than a story to give but also some form of encouragement to those who may fall in such situations as their son. Thanks for this incredible review.

I was always pretty sick as a child, and my parents were also my advocates. My mother was a warrior queen when it came to all of my doctor’s appointments, and I have so much for respect for all those who battle against systems for the sake of their loved ones. It sounds like I could relate a small fraction to this story, and I’m definitely considering picking it up! Thanks for the great review!

It's really sad to hear that a kid suffered from cancer. Thanks for the review.

Really sorry that such an inspiring and important book had errors.. Hopefully the author fixes it soon. Thank you very much for a great review!

I could get an impression of how emotionally appealing this book is, as I read your review.
Job well done!

This seems rwally inspiring and beautifully emotional. Great review!

I shed a tear reading this review. And in everything, I congratulate Lou because he was the one in the eye of the storm. From treatments to multiple prodding, he stayed strong. He's a strong one. I'd love to read.

I've read several testimonial memoirs about cancer survivors. I'd like to read this book too. Great review

Such an inspiring story. Im sure it would be helpful for anyone going through the same thing. Even I would like to learn about the journey of this family and learn a thing or two. Thank you for your review! Nicely done.

J_odoyo wrote: ↑09 Jun 2020, 01:17 Sounds like a true heart-wrenching and yet an encouraging story. I believe the author had more than a story to give but also some form of encouragement to those who may fall in such situations as their son. Thanks for this incredible review.

The book does have a unique format with the inclusion of the father's journals. This would be a helpful resource for other families. I just love the photo of Lou on the cover! It is so motivating. Thanks for your comments.

sirbobthewise wrote: ↑09 Jun 2020, 04:30 I was always pretty sick as a child, and my parents were also my advocates. My mother was a warrior queen when it came to all of my doctor’s appointments, and I have so much for respect for all those who battle against systems for the sake of their loved ones. It sounds like I could relate a small fraction to this story, and I’m definitely considering picking it up! Thanks for the great review!

I can see how you would relate to Lou's story. It makes one wonder how things would have turned out without the insistence of the advocates! Thanks for much for reading and commenting. I hope you will enjoy this book.

Susmita Biswas wrote: ↑09 Jun 2020, 05:24 It's really sad to hear that a kid suffered from cancer. Thanks for the review.

Yes! Reading about the suffering he had to endure was the most challenging part of the book. You can tell from his smile what a resilient spirit Lou had. It was also interesting to learn about how you can be an advocate for a sick relative. Thanks for commenting!

This is really hard to read. I think that no parent has that much strength to go through something like that. Great review!

Tonika632 wrote: ↑11 Jun 2020, 08:45 This is really hard to read. I think that no parent has that much strength to go through something like that. Great review!

That is what made the father's journal so valuable. He talks about his heartache, struggles, and determination that his son would live. I also admired Mary Ellen's resilience and careful attention to both of the sons. It was a motivating story. Thanks for reading and commenting.