Review of First Survivor

[Pablo Josue Mendia]

[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 by Mark Unger presents his heart-rending and intimate personal account of his three-year-old son’s rare cancer diagnosis (stage IV neuroblastoma), four-year intensive treatment, and survival. Mark’s memoir contained personal notes and pictures that informed and emotionally connected us with Louis Unger’s tumultuous journey.

Louis’s diagnosis and treatments, as documented by Mark, show the physiological, psychological, and emotional load that the Unger family went through during Louis’s life-threatening illness. Mark also shows us that this journey had overlaps, but each family member experienced it uniquely. Mark coped by taking notes and understanding them. Mary Ellen, his wife, wrote milestones in a calendar that she expected Louis to accomplish, like graduating from high school, which he did years after becoming cancer-free. Harry, the oldest son, played with Legos that “fought” the evil cancer cells. Louis showed optimism, resilience, social aptitude, and drawings. Despite their different coping mechanisms, each embraced their role and functioned as a unit.

The main themes were resilience, hope, and gratitude. The Unger family was grateful to medical experts, cancer community groups, their extended families, and everyone who played a role in Louis’s journey. They showed resilience despite the zero chance diagnosis, unwilling to give up. They also showed how hope, optimism, perseverance, and determination could save lives. After four years, Louis became the first child survivor of neuroblastoma.

I laughed when Mark broke the rules and hid Harry inside a suitcase to see his brother at the hospital. The perseverance and willingness to do what was best for Louis helped him survive.

I rate First Survivor by Mark Unger 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it for the following reasons:

(1) All proceeds from this book go to the Carrot Seed Foundation. The Unger family will use it to fund neuroblastoma clinical trials.

(2) Mark shows the fear, anxiety, struggle, uncertainty, and joy that arise when dealing with neuroblastoma. Readers connect with Mark on a personal level.

(3) First Survivor is empowering for families who will deal with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Mark encourages advocacy by taking good notes and asking questions. His advocacy changed the way many hospitals take care of their patients. We can apply his advocacy to any situation in life.

(4) You appreciate and value life more after reading this book.

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First Survivor
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[David Samanthaa]

The First Survivor by Mark Unger is a beautifully crafted story that explores the depths of human resilience. The book is an inspiring and thought-provoking read.

[Grace Jane]

Unger’s portrayal of medical challenges is incredibly empathetic.