Review of First Survivor

[Anthony Caleb]

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough, written by Mark Unger, is such a heartwarming story that I did not expect it to bring tears to my eyes.

The book writes about Louis Unger, the second child of the author, and his fight with a rare form of pediatric cancer. Three-year-old Louis Unger was admitted to the hospital, and he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. The author wrote it as fair to say that there is "rampant, hidden sexism in the medical world," as Mary Allen, his wife, wasn't given that much attention like the doctors and medical practitioners gave him. This bothered her because if she needed answers fast, it would be through the author, then the author to the doctors.

It would be unfair to list the knowledge I have learned from this book; the medical terms and procedures of things I have never heard since my existence are numerous to count. I truly commend the author for the efforts and time he used to note down the terms, treatments, doctor names, and even the names of the hospitals. The daily notes he was taking while his son Louis was in treatment were really worth it, and I can't explain well enough how much I love the author and his wife's efforts and optimism throughout his son's cancer journey. The inclusion of real photos of the family in the book helped me imagine well what the family passed through during that phase of their lives. I do not have any criticism for this book, and I enjoyed reading it.

I recommend this book to parents whose child might be facing neuroblastoma and to anyone who knows a friend suffering from the same sickness. It will surely help as a guide to show how to be supportive and to know the thought process that needs to be involved in its treatment. My rating for this book is a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, as I learned a lot of things in the medical system, and I also commend the author for his flawless editing of this book.

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First Survivor
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[Ezeani Emmanuel]

Absolutely stunning, fighting battles like this as a kid and having parents to support you in times like this is an absolute blessing one can pray for.

[Anozie Stephanie]

Reading this book, I commend Louis brother, as his play mate was sick, he was still there for his brother and was very understanding throughout.

[Anozie Stephanie]

Currently reading this and I can say that it is a wonderful pick, honestly amazed at what happened between the family.

[Emmanuel Ezekiel Matt]

I had a friend that had pediatric cancer, it is a good experience and I am grateful this book can impact families.

[Seetha E]

I have read this book. Appreciate that the author chose to write about this and create awareness. Lots of lessons to learn for the the patients, families, and the medical fraternity , pharma group and the govt bodies; colluding-trio. Awesome review.

[Diana Lowery]

I agree with your comment that this book will help friends and families learn how to support anyone going through this tragedy.

[Chinazo Anozie]

I've read a sample of this book, and I can't even imagine how difficult it must have been on the whole family with their child having cancer. It was exemplary of the author to keep detailed notes about the whole process. Thank you for your review.

[Alice Heritage]

Thank you for this review, informing readers that the book includes detailed medical information and a perspective on how the medical establishment treat patients' families. I suppose the "impossible breakthrough" related to some sort of experimental treatment?