Official Review: First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood...

[Lynee Johnson]

This story seems like a roller coaster of emotions, and I personally cannot read any story with children in pain. Especially, babies with cancer and his brother that was effected emotionally. This may not be story in my future for those reasons. I do, however, recommend the story to families with similar situations,
that may feel like they do not know how to navigate through such a tragic time in their lives. There is a plethora of technical medical jargon and notes that will surely give hope and lots of information to those families going through the same situation.

[Sanju Lali]

Quite inspirational story can be found in the book "First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough" by Mark Unger. The story is about Louis's healing journey from a zero chance of survival to his triumphant. I want to read the book.

[Bethel Saint Bright]

I can imagine the joy in the author's heart writing about his son being the first survivor of a cancer ailment. This is a book that will give hope to many people dealing with cancer or caring for someone with cancer.

[EVALINE MAGWAMU 1]

A well elaborated review.A very touching story which has reminded me of my childhood when I was very sick.My honour goes out to Lou's parents who selflessly dedicated to see that their son is healed holding on to faith that everything will work out well.I like Lou's positiveness and the struggle to live a normal life.Thumbs up author Mark Unger for producing a very inspiring story.Congratulations for being the BOTD.

[Kigen Valarie]

Lou was really strong. His family also stood by his side during the whole ordeal. I've read "First Survivor" and believe it's a vital resources for every parent wwho would like to learn more about neuroblastoma and the steps taken by the Ungers.

[Soma Ezenwanne]

This book sounds emotional and motivating. I admire Lou’s father’s determination, and I’m interested in seeing how they never gave up and found a way to keep going.

[Amarachi Stephanie Ejike]

"First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough" by Mark Unger is the true story of Louis's healing journey. The reflections in this book revealed the struggle to manage the overwhelming situation of a devastating diagnosis to survival.
Lou’s story inspires people who has suffered a debilitating illness, and also help parents of hospitalized children find hope and comfort in health crisis.

[Ossein Amedu]

As a medical practitioner, I can deeply appreciate the emotional and inspiring journey shared in First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough. Mark and Mary Ellen's unwavering dedication to advocating for their son Lou resonates with me, as I’ve seen firsthand how vital patient and family advocacy can be in healthcare. It reminds me of the times when families, despite overwhelming odds, work alongside healthcare professionals to pursue the best treatment for their loved ones. In my practice, I've often seen how patient advocacy can lead to improved outcomes, and this story reinforces the importance of never giving up when it comes to finding the right treatment path.

However, as much as I admire the story, I also find it important to highlight the need for balance in the technical details. While it's crucial for families to be well-informed and involved, I would want to ensure that they don’t feel pressured to act on information that might not fully reflect the nuances of medical treatments. The descriptions of medications and dosages in the book, though well-intentioned, may be overwhelming or confusing for someone without a medical background. I’ve often encountered situations where well-meaning parents take a particular treatment or intervention from such books and attempt to apply them without proper medical oversight. It's a delicate balance—empowering families with knowledge is important, but it must come with clear guidance on seeking professional advice to avoid unintended consequences.

I also think the book could benefit from a more realistic portrayal of the variability in medical outcomes. While Lou's recovery is nothing short of miraculous, as a practitioner, I know that not all stories turn out the same. Every child’s medical journey is unique, and what works for one may not be applicable to another. I would encourage readers to remain optimistic but also understand that medical decisions should always be based on professional evaluations and treatments tailored to each individual’s needs.

Overall, as someone who has spent time in the medical field, I respect and admire the advocacy displayed by the Ungers. Their persistence and love for their son are truly inspiring. But I’d also urge readers to continue seeking professional guidance and not hesitate to reach out to healthcare providers for support as they navigate complex medical challenges.

[mrlefty0706]

"First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough" by Mark Unger is a parent’s true story about their son Louis that was diagnosed with cancer as a toddler and his prognosis of a zero chance of survival. Louis was born a healthy baby and did not seem to have a problem until his parents noticed that he was sticking his right foot out to the side when he walked. Fortunately, Louis had the world’s best doctors but he would have to fight a 5-year battle to beat this type of cancer. Readers of this book will go through the battle with Louis and they will see a heart wrenching story of courage and determination. Mark and Mary Ellen kept a detailed log of everything that happened to Louis including his tests, treatments and the failures and successes Louis experienced. Mark truly believed that there were no dead ends, only new paths. Some readers may be driven to tears by the pain Louis experienced during his treatments, but the story has a happy ending which was probably a giveaway from the title of the book. Breakthroughs were made that have benefited many children with cancer. This is a wonderful book that I highly recommend.