Author: Carolyn Rubenstein
Publisher: Forge Books
ISBN: 978-0-7653-1778-0

Click Here To Purchase Perseverance: True Voices of Cancer Survivors

Carolyn Rubenstein is the author of Perseverance: True Voices of Cancer Survivors-a true account of children and young adults who have been diagnosed with cancer. She is the founder of the charitable organization, Carolyn’s Compassionate Children which was inspirational in her desire to put this book together.

While undertaking a University study which examined childhood illness, Carolyn befriended a ten-year-old girl called Kadeejah, who had cancer. Kadeejah’s optimistic attitude reminded Carolyn to smile.

Carolyn gave Kadeejah a teddy which this brave child was still holding in her arms as she was lying unconscious in the pediatric intensive care unit. Carolyn knew she had to gather together cancer survivors stories which is exactly what she has done.

There are twenty remarkable accounts by the young adults who have been through cancer and come out smiling at the other end. Often, when asked if they wish they hadn’t had cancer, they say a a resounding “no!” This dreadful disease has helped them grow as a person and helped them to rebuild their life. They wouldn’t want it any other way. These kids prove to be inspirational and remind us to live for the moment.

Katie Zawadzki’s story really touched me. She explains how she was a cheer leader for a year in high school. She had the “freshman” experience in college, often staying up and partying.

However, Katie started to feel tired and even stayed in bed once and passed up the opportunity of spending the night having a good time with friends. Something was wrong but nothing can prepare you for hearing the words “chemotherapy.”

Her tale was very moving and you can feel emotion coming off the page. I found myself empathizing with Katie. She describes how she’d always been very cautious so she never had to have stitches or a broken bone. Just think!

Her story teaches us nobody is immortal to life’s blows but perhaps the saddest part of her story is to be read at the end.

Zack York, another survivor, reminds us all we can come through anything and stand up high.

At the age of twelve Zack was dealt the biggest blow, he had brain cancer. He was told it was very serious but being naïve he brushed it off and thought “wait a minute, I’m only twelve. I can’t die.”

Gradually, Zack understood that cancer was serious and unfortunately Zack lost many close friends during his treatment. After his diagnosis, he lost his best friend. Zack learnt the hard way who his real friends were.

When recovered he set out to climb Mount Whitney and help raise money for a cancer charity.  How much did he raise?

Zack’s story is more inspiring then most you’ll come across in a lifetime.

Caleb Scoville’s tale is sad. It reminds us all how cruel life can be. He was diagnosed with brain cancer. He recovered and is with us today to tell the tale.

He claims religion helped him and that he was “praying more often than just at bedtime or church.”

It amazes me how Caleb found hope in the great spirit again. I wonder if he thought all his praying and belief saved him from death on so many occasions.

Personally, I’d put his cure down to good luck and the love of family and friends and help of doctors. Never-the-less his story is still amazing and deserves to be read.

At the end of this amazing book Carolyn provides a few extra sections such as “Survivorship” and “Lessons Learned.” Again and again we hear how we should never give up no matter what and that perseverance may be the key to it all.

An absolutely delightful book packed with inspirational accounts from survivors of all walks of life.  Has Carolyn completed what she set out to do? You bet.

This one is not to be missed.

 Click Here To Purchase Perseverance: True Voices of Cancer Survivors