Review of First Survivor

RJ Reviews · Post by **RJ Reviews** » 23 Dec 2023, 05:00

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

5 out of 5 stars

Share This Review

Mary Ellen and Mark Unger's worst nightmare came true when their three-year-old son, Louis, was diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening condition. It all began when Lou started walking strangely and grew quieter by the day. His pediatrician diagnosed Legg-Calvé-Perthes, a rare ailment that affected fifty children in a million. When Lou's condition did not improve, and he started showing a severe lack of energy, his concerned parents arranged for further tests and scans that led to the discovery of a devastating form of childhood cancer. Mark Unger's book First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough is a testament to Lou's journey from his diagnosis to cure and the Unger family's fight to find the answers.

This book, in one word, is heartbreaking and heartfelt. Little Lou showed remarkable courage and resiliency during the 7-year ordeal, never losing his infectious smile. His parents' relentless search for answers is commendable and encouraging. The path toward cure was laden with setbacks, but they never gave up on their son. It sends a profound message of empathy, hope, unity, and love. Lou's inspirational story encourages all parents to educate themselves, ask questions, and be the best advocate for their children's health. Mark kept a journal of questions, notable medical facts, treatments, and other things that led to this book. I appreciate his comments on the financial and insurance aspects of their fight against the dreaded ailment. Mark and Mary Ellen worked as a team and never let hope dwindle, no matter the situation. Little Lou had their spirit and fought against impossible odds with a smile. Lou's tender moments with his elder brother, Harry, touch the readers' hearts.

This book has been an emotional roller-coaster from the first page. The photographs showing Lou's progress and growth make the book authentic. The author included several medical procedures, medications, and protocols that his son received for the treatment of stage IV neuroblastoma. While some readers may find those terms distracting, I found them educational. Lou received a new protocol that saved his life, and I appreciate his parents' efforts to spread awareness about this.

The book is exceptionally well-edited and is free of grammatical or typing mistakes. There is nothing I dislike about this book, and it deserves 5 out of 5 for being inspirational, full of hope, and spreading awareness. The Ungers founded the Carrot Seed Foundation to extend the message of hope. I recommend this book to all who need a hand to overcome their shock and disbelief and find hope. If little Lou could prevail above such difficulties, so could others.

******
First Survivor
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Sakshi Singh 9097 · Post by **Sakshi Singh 9097** » 27 Dec 2023, 14:31

I'm reading this book right now. It is so heartbreaking seeing a little boy go through this. Great review RJ.

Bettny Andrade · Post by **Bettny Andrade** » 28 Dec 2023, 18:49

RJ Reviews wrote: ↑23 Dec 2023, 05:00 [Following is a volunteer review of "First Survivor" by Mark Unger.]

5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

Mary Ellen and Mark Unger's worst nightmare came true when their three-year-old son, Louis, was diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening condition. It all began when Lou started walking strangely and grew quieter by the day. His pediatrician diagnosed Legg-Calvé-Perthes, a rare ailment that affected fifty children in a million. When Lou's condition did not improve, and he started showing a severe lack of energy, his concerned parents arranged for further tests and scans that led to the discovery of a devastating form of childhood cancer. Mark Unger's book First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough is a testament to Lou's journey from his diagnosis to cure and the Unger family's fight to find the answers.

This book, in one word, is heartbreaking and heartfelt. Little Lou showed remarkable courage and resiliency during the 7-year ordeal, never losing his infectious smile. His parents' relentless search for answers is commendable and encouraging. The path toward cure was laden with setbacks, but they never gave up on their son. It sends a profound message of empathy, hope, unity, and love. Lou's inspirational story encourages all parents to educate themselves, ask questions, and be the best advocate for their children's health. Mark kept a journal of questions, notable medical facts, treatments, and other things that led to this book. I appreciate his comments on the financial and insurance aspects of their fight against the dreaded ailment. Mark and Mary Ellen worked as a team and never let hope dwindle, no matter the situation. Little Lou had their spirit and fought against impossible odds with a smile. Lou's tender moments with his elder brother, Harry, touch the readers' hearts.

This book has been an emotional roller-coaster from the first page. The photographs showing Lou's progress and growth make the book authentic. The author included several medical procedures, medications, and protocols that his son received for the treatment of stage IV neuroblastoma. While some readers may find those terms distracting, I found them educational. Lou received a new protocol that saved his life, and I appreciate his parents' efforts to spread awareness about this.

The book is exceptionally well-edited and is free of grammatical or typing mistakes. There is nothing I dislike about this book, and it deserves 5 out of 5 for being inspirational, full of hope, and spreading awareness. The Ungers founded the Carrot Seed Foundation to extend the message of hope. I recommend this book to all who need a hand to overcome their shock and disbelief and find hope. If little Lou could prevail above such difficulties, so could others.

******
First Survivor
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

I find this book very interesting. It is a great story as well as moving, miraculous. I am pleasantly surprised by the courage this family has had to not take no for an answer and move forward until they manage to defeat the disease.

Post by **Sarah Zain** » 29 Dec 2023, 06:26

A truly expressive review of the amount of emotions contained in this book. It is truly a rollercoaster of emotions with everything this family has faced. You presented the book beautifully RJ

David Samanthaa · Post by **David Samanthaa** » 26 May 2024, 13:49

In First Survivor, Mark Unger captures the incredible journey of his son Louis. Despite a grim prognosis, Louis’s determination to overcome neuroblastoma is beautifully portrayed, making it a truly inspiring story.