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Saving Zali
Saving Zali is a mother's account of every parent's worst a diagnosis of cancer with a shocking prognosis.
In 2009, Lisa and Andrew Venables were told that their eighteen-month-old daughter Zali had Langerhan's cell histiocytosis, or LCH, a cancer resistant to chemotherapy and almost impossible to treat. Zali was given six weeks to live.
It was the beginning of a journey of heartache and bravery as Zali battled daily for her life in Sydney's Westmead Hospital, with Lisa by her side at every step.
Although Zali survived her original prognosis, her condition worsened dramatically. Her medical team ran out of options. Lisa and Andrew were told their daughter had hours to live. But then a controversial treatment was proposed, a treatment never before used for Zali's condition. What happened next was a medical miracle that proved that the extraordinary is possible.
Heartfelt and beautifully told, this is the story of medical dedication, a child's tenacity and a mother's love.
In 2009, Lisa and Andrew Venables were told that their eighteen-month-old daughter Zali had Langerhan's cell histiocytosis, or LCH, a cancer resistant to chemotherapy and almost impossible to treat. Zali was given six weeks to live.
It was the beginning of a journey of heartache and bravery as Zali battled daily for her life in Sydney's Westmead Hospital, with Lisa by her side at every step.
Although Zali survived her original prognosis, her condition worsened dramatically. Her medical team ran out of options. Lisa and Andrew were told their daughter had hours to live. But then a controversial treatment was proposed, a treatment never before used for Zali's condition. What happened next was a medical miracle that proved that the extraordinary is possible.
Heartfelt and beautifully told, this is the story of medical dedication, a child's tenacity and a mother's love.
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
3 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 24, 2014
Finally got this book back from the library (it was a new release so only a short borrow) and read it overnight.
I have read a few heartbreaking books recently and while this one sounded very interesting I will admit I only decided to read it because I knew it had a happy ending.
That said what Lisa and her family, in particular little Zali, have been through is enough to break anyone's heart. Her very honest account of those harrowing months spent in hospital with their lives on hold tell not only her story but those of many who go through similar situations. Things that you could never fully comprehend unless your there, and even then everyone's situation is different.
In Saving Zali Lisa is just telling (in a almost diary/journal format) what happened each day from Zali's diagnosis with a very rare form of cancer. Its a very honest and open account about how this journey effected her and her family and you will be moved by their strength as well as the compassion and dedication of many of the medical staff that helped them.
There are parts of this book that will make you cry, want to hit someone, or hug your kids, but ultimately the end result makes the journey of reading worthwhile.
While its hard to 'rate' someone's life story I found this book well written and it flowed well (I would say easy to read but it doesn't seem right given the contents of the book).
I would imagine this book would be very confrontational to anyone who is going through similar circumstances but I would definitely recommend it to anyone who has family or friends going through kids in hospital to help understand where the parents are sometimes coming from.
I have read a few heartbreaking books recently and while this one sounded very interesting I will admit I only decided to read it because I knew it had a happy ending.
That said what Lisa and her family, in particular little Zali, have been through is enough to break anyone's heart. Her very honest account of those harrowing months spent in hospital with their lives on hold tell not only her story but those of many who go through similar situations. Things that you could never fully comprehend unless your there, and even then everyone's situation is different.
In Saving Zali Lisa is just telling (in a almost diary/journal format) what happened each day from Zali's diagnosis with a very rare form of cancer. Its a very honest and open account about how this journey effected her and her family and you will be moved by their strength as well as the compassion and dedication of many of the medical staff that helped them.
There are parts of this book that will make you cry, want to hit someone, or hug your kids, but ultimately the end result makes the journey of reading worthwhile.
While its hard to 'rate' someone's life story I found this book well written and it flowed well (I would say easy to read but it doesn't seem right given the contents of the book).
I would imagine this book would be very confrontational to anyone who is going through similar circumstances but I would definitely recommend it to anyone who has family or friends going through kids in hospital to help understand where the parents are sometimes coming from.
August 21, 2015
Saving Zali is a very readable, very relatable autobiography, of a mother, & her family, watching their 18 month old daughter face a deadly & rare form of cancer.
Written well, beautifully expressing Lisa's (the mother's), massive learning curve & dedication to being her daughter's primary & fierce advocate, this is an extraordinary journey.
As a nurse of 30+ years, I was proud of the dedication & determination of both the nursing & medical staff. Yes, there were run ins with both difficult nurses & doctors, but that's life. Not everyone is going to be as dedicated as others.
A beautiful, emotional, fierce, challenging & uplifting book that I high recommend. It is certainly not on par with Hannah's Gift by Maria Housden, but I don't think anything is.
Written well, beautifully expressing Lisa's (the mother's), massive learning curve & dedication to being her daughter's primary & fierce advocate, this is an extraordinary journey.
As a nurse of 30+ years, I was proud of the dedication & determination of both the nursing & medical staff. Yes, there were run ins with both difficult nurses & doctors, but that's life. Not everyone is going to be as dedicated as others.
A beautiful, emotional, fierce, challenging & uplifting book that I high recommend. It is certainly not on par with Hannah's Gift by Maria Housden, but I don't think anything is.
February 24, 2018
Amazingly 'easy' reading on such a difficult subject.
January 17, 2016
Great little book about an Australian mum and her struggles of dealing with a incredibly ill daughter while holding her family together. Lisa doesn't pull any punches, and you can't help but feel you're along side her through it all. She has a knack for describing an individual's demeanour so that you can't help but equally like or dislike them. A lovely read, highly recommend (byo tissues!).
March 11, 2016
This true story was beyond breath taking. It gives a real insight into the struggles people go through and the raw emotions. Thank you for sharing your journey Lisa Venables, it is something I will never forget.
October 10, 2014
For a first time writer this book was a joy to read. Lisa writes with honest, realism tinged with raw mother-bear, gut-instinct genius. It almost gives mothers permission to be mothers.
January 31, 2015
Very frank & harrowing details of their battle to save their daughter
December 13, 2015
Amazing, miraculous story.
December 27, 2015
Not sure how I feel about this one. Definite easy read and very relatable. Don't forget your tissue box while reading this one. My only critique is I think it went on for a little too long.
January 24, 2016
A very easy to read and insightful book. I found it especially valuable to read as a nurse, a real eye opener.
April 12, 2014
A real page turner of a real life story.
July 11, 2015
Read it in a day. Hadn't read the blurb so did not know the outcome / ending. Skipped the pictures in the middle of the book as I didn't want to give the ending away. Looked at them after I'd finished the book. An honest, warts and all account of a harrowing time for this family as they go on an emotional roller coaster ride with their young baby girl & her life threatening illness. I hope lots of nurses & Dr's read this story. It would give them a really good insight as to just how vulnerable & scared parents of very sick children can get & realize that they need to be treated with compassion & kindness. Well written story. So happy for this family.
June 20, 2015
This book offers an smacking insight into a family's journey as a pediatric nurse I see families in these dire situations often it's given me another level of awareness of what parents go through. Beautifully written story well worth a read
July 10, 2016
Beautifully written and easy to read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews