Product Description
School bullying is universally decried, bemoaned, and condemned. And on the rise. Whether it's a teenager committing suicide as a result of a Facebook posting or a group of schoolchildren taunting another child with autism and filming it for the "entertainment" of others, the longest-lasting, deepest-scarring impact of bullying is emotional, not physical. Failure to understand this has handicapped an already-insipid series of failed "solutions." Heart Transplant is aimed at actually changing the way we deal with perhaps the most critical issue for children and parents alike today. To accomplish this mission, an entirely new genre was created. Neither a graphic novel nor a self-help book, it uses elements of both to reach parents and children alike. The intermingling of word and art is achieved so smoothly that it is experienced as one does words-and-music: you may forget the lyrics and hum the tune, but that very act evokes the lyrics. And if it's the lyrics that stick with you, you'll find yourself humming the tune. The anchoring essay (by clinical social worker Zak Mucha) explains in prose detail what the reader has just experienced. This book will be shelved under "Parenting" and  "Young Adult." Why? Because there is no "Bullying" section in any bookstore. And if Heart Transplant hits either  target, it will hit both. Nothing like this has ever been tried before. But if it works, the high risk will be rewarded by the greatest prize of all. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

HEART TRANSPLANT - MAKING BULLIES PAY THE PRICE
HEART TRANSPLANT is a uniquely conceived book --- impactful in its prose, visually stunning by virtue of the accompanying illustrations. It's not a straight novel or graphic novel or self-help book, yet elements of all three are combined into the final product. The result has been likened to the words-and-music of a song. The lyrics may be memorable in and of themselves; the tune may be memorable in and of itself --- together they unify to create something even MORE lasting. In this case it is a collaboration of words and illustrations brought together to create an enduring work that addresses one of the biggest problems in our world today: Bullying.

The storyline of HEART TRANSPLANT, as penned by Andrew Vachss, is the tale of Sean, one of the "invisible" children who are noticed only when someone seeks to abuse them in some way. As Sean puts it (in the first-person narrative): "Kids like me ... The only time anyone ever saw us was when they needed someone to make themselves look big. By making us look small."

As the story unfolds, Sean is rescued from this invisible, small-seeming existence when his "parents" (his mother is a fat, lazy, neglectful drunk and his "Daddy"-of-the-moment is a physically abusive lout mooching off her welfare checks and dabbling in petty crime) are murdered, and the boy is taken in by his grandfather. The crusty old Irishman --- Paddy, or "Pops" as Sean comes to call him --- quickly spots the lad's scars and insecurities. But he also recognizes Sean's intelligence and strong heart, something no one else ever took the time to notice. Paddy then opens up his own great heart and begins to impart to the boy his simple wisdom in ways that will eventually draw Sean out of his shadows and help him to realize the strengths about himself that Paddy already knows. Paramount in this teaching is a lesson to Sean about the need to be willing to pay the cost of confronting the kind of bullies who've belittled him all his life and make them understand that they, too, will pay a price EVERY TIME from now on should they attempt to continue.

In the end, looking back as a young man after Paddy has passed on, Sean comes to the full realization of how valuable the old man's lessons, and moreover his love, truly were. When the doctor tries to explain to Sean that Paddy had been suffering from a variety of ailments near the end until finally his heart failed, Sean replies: "you write whatever you want on that paper of yours ... But it wasn't his heart that gave out. It would never be his heart."

The story tht lawyer/best-selling crime novelist Vachss weaves here is basic and straightforward, yet nonetheless immensely powerful. Some may see this as a departure for Vachss, but it really is not. HEART TRANSPLANT is a perfect companion piece to his earlier book, ANOTHER CHANCE TO GET IT RIGHT, and the theme of combating abuses against the young and the weak has become the focal point of Vachss's life work.

The illustrations by Frank Caruso --- renowned cartoonist and VP of Creative Services for King Features --- beautifully amplify the moods and message of the prose. And an anchoring essay at the close of the book --- by Zak Mucha, clinical social worker and supervisor of Chicago's Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program --- adds an insightful overview.

HEART TRANSPLANT is an important work that should be available in every local library and middle school library across the land and should be read and discussed by families everywhere. ... Read more

Product Description
Many remember the proudly beaming face of South African surgeon Christiaan Barnard after he performed the first human heart transplant. But he was not alone in his quest. In truth it was a fourway race, a fierce struggle fraught with passionate rivalry. Three other surgeons were giants in the field, and by early December 1967 all were poised to make medical history.

Each had spent years perfecting his techniques; each monitored his chosen patient's condition, watching the clock, hoping a donor would be found in time. From a dank, under-equipped hospital in Cape Town to a cramped lab in San Francisco, the surgeons worked miracles, testing the limits of both science and nature. Some were friends; others were enemies. Only one would be the first. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

fascinating story
Every Second Counts: The Race to Transplant the First Human Heart

A must read book for any cardiothoracic person interested to know detailed accounts on this feverish race........you will not stop till you reach the last word in the book.....congratulations for the editor for this fascinating account.

REVIEW FROM ONE INVOLVED IN EARLY TRANSPLANTS
THIS IS A GREAT BOOK AND VERY ACCURATE ABOUT THE THINGS THAT HAPPENED BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE FIRST HUMAN HEART TRANSPLANT TOOK PLACE.THE BOOK WAS VERY WELL RESEARCHED PRIOR TO THE WRITING BY DONALD McRAE.I THINK HE WAS VERY FAIR IN HIS APPROACH TO ALL PHASES OF THE BOOK.I WAS DR. RICHARD LOWER'S TECHNICIAN (PERFUSIONIST) FROM 1963 AT STANFORD UNTIL 1989 AT MCV IN VA.I WAS INVOLVED IN ALL HIS HEART TRANSPLANTS SO I CAN ATTEST TO THE AUTHENTICITY OF WHAT MR. McRAE WROTE ABOUT DR.'S SHUMWAY, LOWER, AND BARNARD IN THE BOOK.I BELIEVE IT TO BE THE BEST BOOK THAT HAS BEEN WRITTEN ABOUT THOSE EARLY DAYS OF THE HEART TRANSPLANT BUSINESS.
LANIER ALLEN, RETIRED CCP & RETIRED CHIEF OF PERFUSION AT MCV HOSPITAL, RICHMOND, VA

Every Second Counts
An absolutely spell binding account of the early work in the field of heart transplant.Extremely well written and very factual.A great read, indeed, it is almost impossible to put the book down once you begin.

An In-Depth Autobiography
This autobiography of Lance Armstrong will show you how teamwork plays an important role in the Tour de France.You'll also see how Armstrong coped after his first marriage ended.

A Great Book
The book deals with complicated medical matters, but is written like a novel and is riveting, and hard to put down. It covers lots of medical and human history and is required reading for those too young to understand and appreciate heart and vascular surgery. Bypass and transplant surgery has changed the world and this book tells who made it possible.

Joseph R. Newell, Jr ... Read more

Product Description
Dying to Live is about facing challenges. Being miserable. Finding faith. Letting go and learning to trust. It is the inspiring story of Gaea Shaw’s journey from heart transplant recipient to gold medal winner at the Olympic-style Transplant Games. But Gaea’s story is much more than that. Her gift to readers is that she encourages each of us to see that we all face our own challenges—and that each of us can experience an abundant life, filled with gratitude, no matter what the odds. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

An Authentic Read!
Gaea Shaw has written an authentic, inspiring, book. I found myself emotionally reviewing my own life while reading the experience of hers. There is wisdom in this book...the kind that's earned when confronted with a major life challenge.
From a heart that was dying to a heart that is fully living, Gaea authentically shares herself and her family with the reader.

Dying to Live: From Heart Transplant to Abundant Life is a good reminder that while much of life is out of our control, we can choose how we respond! I am buying 10 copies and offering them as gifs to my circle of girlfriends.

Paulette Millander

What a Remarkable Story!
This is an amazing story!I went to bed reading it and woke up and finished it...was late to work and don't regret it.

There are many overwhelming moments, but none like the donor mother feeling her son's heart beating inside of Gaea.What an important and beautiful story, I've never read the likes of it.

Life changing experience
An amazing and beautifully written account of the path Gaea emabrked on in having a heart transplant. The impact on her renewed life and the ripple effect on those around her. Her account is clear and moving, equally so are the accounts of those who share her experience, especially the donor family. This book moved me greatly, a must read by anyone looking toward oragan transplant, and anyone considering donating.

A Heroine's Journey
Gaea Shaw's account of her heart disease, heart transplant and her new life is an inspiration to anyone whose life is spinning out of control. Gaea did all the right things: healthy diet, exercise--but her heart was giving out, and she was close to death. Her courageous descent into total surrender left me in tears. Shaw doesn't spare us any of the emotional turmoil she went through during this life-threatening experience, and yet this short book is written in a clear, simple, and unsentimental style. The way she told her story adds even more power to it. For myself, I know that if I were facing such a dire medical operation, at first I would be overwhelmed with fear and confusion. But Gaea's story elicited a deeper force within me (and all of us) which has the power to carry us through our darker hours, whether we are confronting day-to-day struggles or a life-and-death crisis.

Heart-opening!
Gaea's book is immensely moving, vulnerable, direct, beautifully written, very revealing of her and the intimate process she and her family went through with her heart transplant. It was incredibly raw and comprehensive in terms of their emotional experiences. Gaea's telling was not at all sentimental,
and it conveyed the spiritual presence that Gaea and her husband lived in while going through such an immense initiatory ordeal. The book also took me into the depths of the utter death of everything Gaea, her husband and her child had to face.I cried a lot...thanks so much, Gaea.This book offers an inspiring transmission of love and trust in the face of one of Life's fiercest experiences.It will be an inspiration and companion to those on the journey of transplant surgery, to their families, as well as those who are called to donate the precious organs of their fallen beloveds.
Gaea is also an inspiration for anyone who is facing any situation in life that appears to be more than they can handle. ... Read more

Product Description
Mr. NewHeart – Heart Attack to Transplant and Beyond is David Hollar’s story of his battle with life-threatening heart disease. It begins with the account of his massive heart attack on March 11, 1989 and continues through the complications of increasingly serious heart arrhythmias. David tells of being placed on the “transplant list” and waiting over four months for a donor heart. He shares his personal struggle to accept the difficult truth that his chance for a miracle can only occur when another person dies. This inspiring story is one of faith, courage, endurance, victory, and miracles.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A Great Teaching Tool
The author of this book not only experienced the full impact of a heart transplant, he endured multiple other challenges and nearly every type of cardiac testing under the sun. That is why I feel this book is an excellent teaching tool for physicians and nurses to help their cardiac patients understand many of the cardiac procedures and tests which patients undergo. It has the potential to help ALL cardiac patients, not just cardiac transplant patients. I am a Registered Nurse and a Nurse Educator myself. I can see great value of this tool in this arena.
Christina Feist-Heilmeier, RN, MSN
Author of Nurses Are From Heaven: Nursing Through Eyes of Faith.

Mr. NewHeart
This is an inspiring story of how one man and his family walked down a long road of devastating medical challenges. David's story contains candid details of discouraging, frightening moments. But it is a story of hope, ending with the triumph of the successful transplant. His faith in God and his courage are evident across every page.

A Change of Heart
"An inspiring first hand account of the emotional roller coaster Dave's family rode, during his long and emphatic struggle to sustain life. A point of faith and hope for all who read this book."

Charles Hamilton Sr, Former Executive Director of Northwest Teen Challenge, author of From Darkness To Light and A Step Of Faith.
[...]

From Darkness To Light

Inspiring "NewHeart" story
As a fellow heart transplant recipient "only" 13 years out now, it is always inspiring to read the life story of another fellow recipient who has led the way, being my "senior" in those 16 years post transplant.David tells his story with passion and insight, offering testimony to the human spirit that seemingly can overcome all odds (well, not ALL, but certainly able to climb lofty mountains of life challenge as his typifies)- serving as an inspiration to anyone facing their own unique life challenges, and isn't that what we need today, more inspirations like this?

David writes in easy to understand language of medical professional and family support along with a strong faith in God (imagine getting the call for a new heaert on Easter as a sign that God answers our prayers!).He endures more than many of us have had to with his transplant and life, but then that's what makes for good reading, right?Just don't fear transplant based on his many issues, that while each may be typical, most patients do not face all of them, but even if you did, isn't it great to hear they can be overcome as David's life story shows us?

Another important lesson learned from his story is the ever growing need (due to the success of the transplant process)for organ donors as (here in 2007...) over 100,000 patients await their own life saving organ transplant in the US alone.Inspired by David's story, give some thought to your own ability to save someone's life after your death through the gift of organ donation, then tell your family about your decision!

Strength For The Task
The main character of this book should never have had a heart attack in the beginning, but he did!The struggles which came later, dealing with a very sick heart and then a younger heart gives us some idea of the difficulties involved in the process of transplanting organs.Not knowing from one day to the next whether he would be alive or not, Mr. Hollar exhibits great faith in God as he navigates the inside world of organ transplants, doctors, nurses and hospitals.Having received a mystical assurance that he was not going to die, he set about to get well.The excellent medical care from all the hospital staff; the love and support of his family and his deep abiding faith all helped in overcoming this tragic catastrophic illness.A faithful testimony, indeed. ... Read more

Product Description
"Laura’s New Heart" follows the dramatic journey of a vibrantly successful Wholistic Healer, teacher, coach and counselor as she learns she has congestive heart failure. Laura sweeps you along in her struggles to implement spiritual, creative, healing beliefs and practices in the face of a rapidly deteriorating condition. Deeply challenged by her years as a teacher, having trained hundreds of students, Laura is faced with the formidable task of practicing what she preaches, only to discoverflaws and limitations of these beliefs. We follow Laura through her daily life as she applies her training and understanding of various alternative-healing modalities in efforts to heal herself - to no avail. It is not until Laura is on her deathbed that she consents to be evaluated for a heart transplant after which a series of uncanny miracles remarkably unfold. She invites you intimately into her mind and way of being in human struggles, failures and triumphs. Laura reveals her most intimate thoughts about living, dying, death and her relationship with God. Her deeply moving tale makes us laugh, cry and lifts us in an unsuspecting invitation to reflect on our own beliefs. Laura’s natural teaching abilities are clearly present in her writing as she turns the lessons learned into practical opportunities for those of us who have ever been or will become seriously ill as well as those of us who walk beside anyone facing a serious illness. This book inspires an opportunity to reevaluate our lives as it broadens our perspectives about illness and wellness.

This book is highly recommend for anyone in the field of healing or creative arts. Doctors, nurses, artists and healers are invited to see a new refreshing perspective into the lives of those they touch on a daily basis. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Laura's New Heart hits home!
This beautifully written book describe one woman's journey through congestive heart failure to heart transplantion.The journey is filled with emotional highs and lows and is described from a spiritual perspective.Besides making for a fascinating tale---imagine coming back from the brink of death to lead a completely normal life---the spiritual guidelines offered should allow the reader to better cope with everything life has to offer. ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of powerful stories told by 50 persons whohave been through the heart transplant experience. The reader is drawnint the sorrows, joys, ironies, and trials of people living live atthe edge.

Death, suffering, rebirth, and humor are the stuff of greatliterature.This is great literature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Stories of the Heart
I am presently on the heart transplant journey myself and found this book to be of great value.It is like talking to a friend that knows what you are going through.The fact that the stories are written by the people themselves made me feel like I am not alone if they can do it then maybe I can too.I feel that this would be a good bed side book for anyone who is dealing with a heart transplant it was like getting a hug when needed.I find it hard to talk about what I'mgoing through with others and it was nice to know that I'm not alone on my journey.

I don't know what to say
I silently absorbed all of this work and just came away with such empathy it's very difficult to express it. It is a good manual to prepare you for such procedures. Too much to say about it, my words fail. ... Read more

Product Description
The informative, intimate,emotionally compelling, sometimes hilarious, yet inspiring and encouragingaccount of one man?s miraculous heart transplant and traumatic near-deathexperiences, before, during and following six crippling heart attacks, and threeopen heart surgeries.Four times he was clinically dead? flat line.You will LAUGH, you will CRY andyou will LEARN more about the personal side of heart transplants and organdonation than you ever could have imagined.A must-read if you or someone youknow is waiting for or considering a heart or other organ transplant.??? Learn what is involved and what it allmeans from the perspective of one man and his family who have ?been there anddone that.? ... Read more

Product Description
“Life is about opposites coming together to make you whole.”Lisa Nance takes us on a journey of love and faith as she travels the tumultuous terrain of her husband’s six-month wait for a heart transplant. It feels as if one day she’s enjoying a round of golf with a seemingly healthy spouse, then the next she’s at his bedside in the ICU. Now, she must face “the Wait,” with a capital W, tackling the challenges of single parenting, running the family business, and visiting a terminally ill husband 500 miles away. A beautifully written, insightful, and honest account of the lessons learned by a woman living a Life In Limbo. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

I Just Couldn't Put It Down!
Well, this book was an Amazing experience for me to read about, as I too am the Wife of a 40 year old Man who is waiting for a Heart Transplant. He was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy November 2008 and had a Pacemaker/Defrillbulator placed in his chest for his 39th Birthday in Decmeber. After 6 months of treatment from the best Doc's @ Mayo Jacksonville, he was told his Heart is not showing improvement & he has now been on The List 8 months.It was Great to hear it from another perspective & also to really see that I am far from alone when it comes to this road we are facing.It also gave me strength, hope & inspiration.It made me realize how truly lucky we are to only have to travel to our "Backyard" 20 miles away to go to Mayo, instead of the 500 miles Lisa had to travel and that our Kid's are 4 & 5, not teenagers.Lisa opened my eyes to many things, mostly that she is an amazing woman & her Husband Miller has had his Transplant 10 years now, so that gives us tremendous hope that you can go on living a normal, productive & very Beautiful Life!Thank You Lisa!This is a must read, if you need a transplant, are a Caregiver or just a Family member or Friend of someone going through this!Enjoy!
~Denise Simmons

Life In Limbo
Nance is unbelievably honest in sharing her innermost feelings and thoughts throughout this book. She shows us that through faith, family and friends there is always a "light at the end of the tunnel".Her poetry adds a special touch to her story. I was especially moved by "Last Kiss".This book will be an inspiration for anyone facing a medical crisis.

Life In Limbo
Life In Limbo is a priceless gift for anyone going through a transplant with a loved one and a touching story for anyone that's not. Through Lisa Nance's intimate account of what she and her family endured we learn what it takes to survive a catastrophic life changing event.Life In Limbo will touch your heart in such a true and honest way that you should give this book to everyone you care about.

The Best of Times, the Worst of Times
Lisa Stiles Nance has had the courage, tenacity, and faith to survive one of life's more terrifying experiences -- and the talent and artistry to share with us the wisdom that she gained from her family's ordeal.Life in Limbo provides a practical, sensitive, life-saving guide for people who've been swept into the strange and difficult world of catastrophic illness.With the book, both patient and family will find the entire exhausting process less frightening and, miraculously, more hopeful.Life in Limbo is a wondrous revelation.My gratitude and continuing encouragement to Ms. Nance.

Touched my heart
Not only does this book appeal to readers who are not in a crisis situation, it is insightful and honest in it's approach to what a family goes through waiting for a loved one to recieve an organ, specifically a heart.The writer immediately pulled me into her circumstances.It is written in a way that I understood what she was going through as a wife, living through this experience her husband was having.I see through her eyes the fear and the hope, the pain and the sorrow, and her faith in the Lord to pull her together to take care of her husband and their children, her home and their life.I honestly recommend thisvaluable and insightful tool for anyone involved in waiting for a transplant, or anyone involved in this process. ... Read more

Product Description
Nancy Shank Pedder was living a busy, fulfilling life until the day she discovered a lump in her breast. Diagnosed with breast cancer, Nancy is faced with both a mastectomy and chemotherapy. Recovering from breast cancer, she learns that the chemotherapy destroyed her heart. To live she must have a heart transplant. At the eleventh hour, Nancy's life is saved by the gift of a heart donation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

An engrossing story that leaves you uplifted and thoughtful.
Since the author is the main character, you know she lived to write about her tragic ordeal: breast cancer treatment that literally killed her heart. . . muscle. This story, as awesome as it sounds isa page turner. Youwon't be able to put it down. Any woman who has breast cancer or knowssomeone who has had it, should read this book. There is some excellentadvice in it. And in the end, it's actually UPLIFTING!

YOU'LL BE AMAZED AT WHAT YOU CAN LEARN
IF YOU WANT TO SPEND AN EVENING READING A MOST INTERESTING LIFE STORY THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU.IT WILL NOT ONLY INTRIGUE YOU BUT ENTERTAIN AND EDUCATE YOU AS WELL. I COULDN'T PUT THE BOOK DOWN AND THOUGHT OF MANY FRIENDS TOWHOM I WANT TO RECOMMEND IT.....A VERY EXCELLENT BOOK.

A touching story of a brave woman's ability to overcome.
This is human interest story that will move you to tears of joy and make you marvel at Nancy's indomitable will to live. Reading this story made me realize how lucky I am to have the health that I do. Nancy Pedder is aphenomenally strong woman who has never let her health issues cloud herpositivity and zest for life. She has dealt with challenges that would makea lesser human crumble, in a way that is to be admired and respected. Nancyshould be an inspiration to all that are organ recipients and the familiesof organ donors. I admire how she continues to make the most of the secondshot at life that she got through her donated heart and how she isdetermined to lead the charge to promote organ donation.

HEART-WRENCHING, ACCURATE ACCOUNT OF COURAGE AND FAITH
Once I began reading, I couldn't put the book down until the I finished it!This book has numerous endorsements from the medical profession, but like Nancy Pedder, I too am a cancer survivor, and this book is anINCREDIBLE account of the author's ordeal. Pedder truly has a knack fortelling her story; one which will keep you on the edge of your seat untilthe very last page. Not only will the reader be amazed and astonished atthe incredible odds Nancy overcame and SURVIVED, but also this book tugs atyour heart (no pun intended) and will hopefully be a positive impact onorgan donation. Nancy's story makes you not only want to stand and cheerthat you are allive, but also makes you want to thank God each day for themany blessings we sometimes overlook. This is the MOST positive book Ihave ever read on surviving cancer - and as a 17 year cancer suvivor, Ishould know.Everyone should read this book! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

I am honored to know some of the surgeons here
Living near houston and spending a good bit of time at the centers discussed in this text I find that I am able to step back a bit and take a look at what is right in front of my face. If you are preparing for a transplant it is a good idea to absorb this book and learn as much as you can, there is so much to know, and still do. This really touches close to home for me.

A fascinating and tragic story
I deducted one star for the main theme of the book being difficult to find - that being the feud between Drs. DeBakey and Cooley.

Otherwise, it is a very interesting tale of the early days of open-heart and transplant surgery.The procedure itself was almost abandoned after its disaster-ridden debut in the late 1960s, but the high death rate was probably because, like with any new medical procedure, the practitioners really didn't know what they were doing.Unlike most other medical breakthroughs, these doctors were in the world spotlight, as were many of their patients.

My brother and his wife once lived in Houston, and I described some things in the book to them.They said not much has changed in all these years.

Both physicians are still living and practicing, Cooley in his 80s and DeBakey in his 90s although neither do surgery any more. ... Read more

Product Description
A comprehensive text on the medical management ofthoracic organ transplantation, covering the assessment of patientsfor possible transplantation, through to managing patients aftertransplantation including any possible complications and shared careaspects of long term management. ... Read more

Product Description
The surgeon who performed the world's first human heart transplant was born into rural poverty. He would grow up to become one of the most famous surgeons the world has ever known. He would be a millionaire many times over and would date famous actresses and models. Yet he didn't gain recognition for inventing a new surgical technique or discovering a cure. When he performed the world's first heart transplant, the operation had already been mapped out by others, every step carefully detailed. But only one surgeon had the courage to risk both failure and professional criticism.

Though the first heart transplant was an enormous risk, more than 100,000 similar surgeries have since been performed world-wide. In the United States, an estimated 2400 patients receive transplanted hearts each year. Eighty-seven percent of them survive for over a year and nearly 75% are alive five years later. They owe those extra years of life to the courage of one surgeon. His name is Christian Barnard, and this is his story. ... Read more

Product Description
"Read this if you want to go to heaven . . . but not via the hospital! This book is your 'get out of the hospital alive' card-it will put years on your life" -Edward A. Taub, M.D. Lanny Taub, M.D. A framework of common sense and wisdom for anyone who must bear the burden of severe illness and advanced institutional medical treatment. -Keith Burnett, M.D, Diplomate, American Board of Radiology Hospitals can be dangerous to your health! Your mission: stay out of them! But if you do need to go in for anything serious, BE PREPARED. And this book will show you how. Richard Stevens, one of the most successful businesspeople in America, is also a survivor of a heart transplant, colon cancer, a coma, and acute thrombosis. In this eye-opening book, you'll learn what you must do to keep yourself out of hospitals . . . and how to maximize the likelihood that if you do need hospitalization, you'll survive not just your illness but your medical care! Doctor- and hospital-caused mistakes are two of the leading killers in our society. You and your loved ones deserve the knowledge about how to keep yourself healthy now . . . and healthy and alive if hospitalization is ever something you need. This book will save your life! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Life Saver
Dick's rules saved my mothers life !
...his easy to follow, no nonsense rules really work.
Taking charge of my mothers medical treatment while she was in the hospital
was the only way we were able to ensure she got the proper care she
needed.

essential reading BEFORE entering the hospital
dick and joan stevens have used their experiences through the years to create the most helpful guide for anyone facing health issues. it is a lively and informative read. a great gift for yourself, your family members and all your friends. i loved what i learned from them. thank you dick and joan!

What you don't know can hurt you.
As a Medical doctor with 46 years of clinical practice experience, and having recently survived a catastrophic, life-threatening, acutespinal epiduralabscess, I can readily attest to the authors' many harrowing and nearly disastrous examples when being hospitalized for a critical care emergency. The book was very well written. The information was up-beat, organized, and easy to read. I think it is an important book, that needs to be read by everyone. It is up each one of us to be as aware as possible of all our options, and be able to take a pro-active role in our own, or our loved-one's health care decisions.
Lord Lee-Benner,MD,FACE
Newport Beach,CA

Paula Klug's review of Never Give Up
My husband, and I are long time friends of Dick, and Joan, and basically have lived through all the trials, and tribulations they went through with them. Some people might say, how could this all be true.I can verify that it is true, and actually happened to them.The most important thing I learned from the book is the fact that none of us can go through this alone.We wouldn't have a chance to survive.We all need help, and hopefully can find it.Someone to watch the medications, write down what the Doctor is saying to us, making sure the nurse washes her hands before she touches our loved one. I am so proud of them, I call Dick, the man with 9 lives. Paula Klug

Never Give Up! How i survived a Heart Transplant.
This book was an eye opener for me. Mr. Stevens incorporates traditional medicine with alternative suggestions. His advice on searching out all options available to patients was enlightening. It is an easy read with important information for the patient and the caretaker.
His devotion to his wife through all the trauma and multiple illness is a tribute. I recommend this book highly.
Mary Stanley
... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Excellent book
Excellent book.Very informative for anyone who wants to get into the world of transplant medicine, or anyone who is just fascinated by the amazing work these people do.

Excellent Read
This book provided a fascinating insight into the amazing world of transplants. I take my hat of to Dr. Frist and his colleagues for the amazing work they do day in and day out!!

I think too many previous reviewers focused too much on the cat story. Back when Dr. Frist was going to medical school, dogs and cats from shelters were commonly used for a variety of classes in medical school - I do not think we should judge Dr. Frist's actions on today's standards.

Confessions of a Cat Killer
I'm not sure what is the greater act of stupidity: Nazi-like killing of cats for medical experimentation OR being a public figure and writing about it in your autobiography.

Cat killer enthusiasts will also enjoy the original and artistic film on the subject entitled "Gummo" (...)

Self-Serving Screed from a Deeply Disturbed Man
The relevant text in this book--which, by the way, is becoming harder and harder to get (could the author be buying up all extant copies to contain the damage?)--says of his kidnapped cats that Frist "treated them as pets for a few days" prior to his "cart[ing] them off to the lab to die." The standard practice among researchers and medical students is to avoid becoming emotionally attached to their lab subjects, and for good reason; it makes the objectivity necessary for scientific work more difficult. Yet Frist, by his own admission, "treated them as pets." The implication is that since no one forced Frist to do this that he got some sort of emotional thrill from killing and cutting up these unfortunate cats and kittens that he kidnapped under false pretenses. There is a word for people like that: sociopath. It's common knowledge that people who abuse and kill animals for thrills often become serial killers later in life. Is this the kind of person we want serving as Senate Majority Leader? Be very afraid.

Insightful
This book was the turning point of my life.It was the statement that persuaded me to have a heart transplant.It answered so many of my qestions about the procedure and gave me the insight that the procedure was not really science fiction. Since reading it I have passed the book on to other people facing such a difficult decision. ... Read more

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This collection commemorates friends and lovers in poems which are in turn rueful, whimsical and impassioned. ... Read more

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In March 2001, the National Institutes of Health issued the following warning: "The number of Web sites offering health-related resources grows every day. Many sites provide valuable information, while others may have information that is unreliable or misleading."Furthermore, because of the rapid increase in Internet-based information, many hours can be wasted searching, selecting, and printing.This book was created for medical professionals, students, and members of the general public who want to conduct medical research using the most advanced tools available and spending the least amount of time doing so. ... Read more

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Discusses the history of man's knowledge of the heart, early heart surgery, and the results, possible complications, costs, and future of heart transplants. ... Read more