Review of First Survivor

[Ije Oma]

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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Life is a myriad of twists and turns. It is akin to a road with numerous twists and turns. We have no foreknowledge of what might transpire next or what lies in wait at each bend. It may bring auspicious or adverse tidings. And if we are confronted with adverse tidings, the paramount concern is how we surmount them and our response to them.

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough by Mark Unger is a real-life cancer memoir detailing his family’s odyssey to defy the odds when their son is diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an exceedingly rare form of cancer most prevalent in young children. The narrative commences in 2001, when the author’s son, Louis Unger, is diagnosed with stage IV cancer at age three. The profound despair his parents, Mark and Mary Ellen, felt upon being informed that he had no hope for survival was overwhelming. Amidst uncertainty, fear, and anxiety, Mark and Mary Ellen rise with faith and hope to collaborate with the doctors to find solutions for their son’s cure.

The book recounts how Mark and Ellen exerted every effort to procure the best medical care for their son, Louis. From becoming staunch advocates for their son’s health, with Mark conducting extensive research and consulting various specialists, to Mary providing the utmost care for their son, remaining resilient amidst the numerous invasive procedures and therapies Louis endured, we also witness Harry, Louis’s younger brother, and the unwavering support he offers despite having most of his parents' attention diverted to Louis. Louis exhibited remarkable resilience and bravery throughout the years of being afflicted with this pernicious disease.

This narrative held significant sentimental value for me, as I once lost a friend to cancer. I was inspired by the extraordinary resilience and perseverance they all demonstrated and how they remained steadfast in faith and love. I found nothing to dislike in this book, and I like the fact that the story showed the importance of stress management, as seen with Mark when he embraced writing as a coping mechanism. The author adeptly engages the readers through the inclusion of personal notes and photos. I detected no errors in the book; it was effortlessly readable and meticulously edited. The addition of a glossary at the end enhanced the comprehension of the medical terminology used in the book. I found nothing to dislike about the book. 

I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars as it is an immensely inspiring read, and the fact that the research and treatments, with Louis prevailing, paved the way in the medical realm for others with similar diseases. I highly recommend this book to those who have been diagnosed with analogous life-threatening diseases and the families of such individuals, to provide them with motivation and hope to overcome these adversities. I also recommend it to those who cherish emotional and inspirational literature.

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First Survivor
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[Grace Jane]

A compassionate look at the emotional toll of a terminal illness.