Review of First Survivor
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Chioma Oz
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Review of First Survivor
[Following is a volunteer review of "First Survivor" by Mark Unger.]
In First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough, Mark Unger shares the poignant journey of his son, Louis, from a grim diagnosis of "zero chance of survival" to the triumphant title of the First Survivor. The narrative unfolds when Mary Ellen, Lou's mother, observes his unusual gait at the age of three, leading to the discovery of a rare condition known as Legg-Calvé-Perthes. As Lou's health deteriorates, subsequent tests reveal a more severe ailment, setting the stage for a challenging seven-year odyssey filled with an array of medical tests, scans, protocols, and treatments. Throughout this arduous period, Lou divides his time between hospital stays and moments at home with Harry, his older brother. "First Survivor" encapsulates the resilience of a family facing adversity and the miraculous breakthrough that defied initial prognoses.
Throughout the entire ordeal, Mark coped with the overwhelming situation by maintaining a journal. In this personal chronicle, he documented his myriad questions, emotions, details of Lou's treatments and medications, and observations on Lou's progress. This journal served as a comprehensive log, capturing Mark's unwavering dedication to understanding and addressing his son's health challenges. It became the cornerstone of his advocacy for Lou, propelling him into a determined quest for the most effective treatments and a relentless pursuit of innovative medical approaches to combat childhood cancer. Mark's journal not only chronicled their journey but also became a powerful tool in his mission to bring about positive change in the landscape of pediatric oncology.
I found great pleasure in perusing the photographs interspersed throughout the text, showcasing Lou's remarkable progress and development. This captivating three-year-old possesses an infectious smile and a gleam in his eye that effortlessly warmed my heart. The vivid portrayals of his life during this period evoked a spectrum of emotions in me, from tears during Lou's moments of suffering to bouts of laughter when he engaged in playful activities with Harry. The inclusion of insights into Harry's experiences as Lou's older brother, detailing the impact of separation and treatment on his life and emotions, added depth to the narrative. Mark's meticulous notes and Mary Ellen's reflective observations left a profound impression on me, shedding light on their arduous journey in managing this overwhelming situation. Mark's detailed medication log for Lou provided a comprehensive account of the treatments, delving into technical aspects such as medical procedures, specific medications, and precise dosages. Amidst this, I grappled with the challenging descriptions of Lou's reactions to certain treatments that induced excruciating pain. This book was exceptionally edited, with no errors.
Mark and Mary Ellen's astute advocacy for their son, Lou, transcended medical conventions as they fearlessly challenged established protocols, regardless of the intimidating titles and white coats of the medical staff. Mark urged others to educate themselves, fostering a proactive approach to treatment, even if it meant seeking alternatives at a different hospital. Their unwavering efforts resulted in Lou becoming the first beneficiary of a life-saving new protocol. In the aftermath, the couple founded the Carrot Seed Foundation, dedicated to ongoing advocacy for children's health, encapsulating their enduring commitment to making a meaningful impact in the realm of pediatric care.
The book earns a solid 5 out of 5 stars because it was touching and inspirational, and there was nothing to dislike about it. Lou's inspirational journey through a debilitating illness, however, is truly uplifting, showcasing the remarkable spirit and perseverance of a three-year-old boy. It's a source of hope and comfort, so I recommend it, particularly for parents with hospitalized children.
******
First Survivor
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough, Mark Unger shares the poignant journey of his son, Louis, from a grim diagnosis of "zero chance of survival" to the triumphant title of the First Survivor. The narrative unfolds when Mary Ellen, Lou's mother, observes his unusual gait at the age of three, leading to the discovery of a rare condition known as Legg-Calvé-Perthes. As Lou's health deteriorates, subsequent tests reveal a more severe ailment, setting the stage for a challenging seven-year odyssey filled with an array of medical tests, scans, protocols, and treatments. Throughout this arduous period, Lou divides his time between hospital stays and moments at home with Harry, his older brother. "First Survivor" encapsulates the resilience of a family facing adversity and the miraculous breakthrough that defied initial prognoses.
Throughout the entire ordeal, Mark coped with the overwhelming situation by maintaining a journal. In this personal chronicle, he documented his myriad questions, emotions, details of Lou's treatments and medications, and observations on Lou's progress. This journal served as a comprehensive log, capturing Mark's unwavering dedication to understanding and addressing his son's health challenges. It became the cornerstone of his advocacy for Lou, propelling him into a determined quest for the most effective treatments and a relentless pursuit of innovative medical approaches to combat childhood cancer. Mark's journal not only chronicled their journey but also became a powerful tool in his mission to bring about positive change in the landscape of pediatric oncology.
I found great pleasure in perusing the photographs interspersed throughout the text, showcasing Lou's remarkable progress and development. This captivating three-year-old possesses an infectious smile and a gleam in his eye that effortlessly warmed my heart. The vivid portrayals of his life during this period evoked a spectrum of emotions in me, from tears during Lou's moments of suffering to bouts of laughter when he engaged in playful activities with Harry. The inclusion of insights into Harry's experiences as Lou's older brother, detailing the impact of separation and treatment on his life and emotions, added depth to the narrative. Mark's meticulous notes and Mary Ellen's reflective observations left a profound impression on me, shedding light on their arduous journey in managing this overwhelming situation. Mark's detailed medication log for Lou provided a comprehensive account of the treatments, delving into technical aspects such as medical procedures, specific medications, and precise dosages. Amidst this, I grappled with the challenging descriptions of Lou's reactions to certain treatments that induced excruciating pain. This book was exceptionally edited, with no errors.
Mark and Mary Ellen's astute advocacy for their son, Lou, transcended medical conventions as they fearlessly challenged established protocols, regardless of the intimidating titles and white coats of the medical staff. Mark urged others to educate themselves, fostering a proactive approach to treatment, even if it meant seeking alternatives at a different hospital. Their unwavering efforts resulted in Lou becoming the first beneficiary of a life-saving new protocol. In the aftermath, the couple founded the Carrot Seed Foundation, dedicated to ongoing advocacy for children's health, encapsulating their enduring commitment to making a meaningful impact in the realm of pediatric care.
The book earns a solid 5 out of 5 stars because it was touching and inspirational, and there was nothing to dislike about it. Lou's inspirational journey through a debilitating illness, however, is truly uplifting, showcasing the remarkable spirit and perseverance of a three-year-old boy. It's a source of hope and comfort, so I recommend it, particularly for parents with hospitalized children.
******
First Survivor
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Flowers of Evil by N.L. Holmes
