Holding On For Dear Life: What My Fatal Diagnosis Taught Me About Living

by Liz DeVivo

In 2000, Liz DeVivo was a young mother and a Social Worker when she became ill with Scleroderma. Months later, she was devastated when diagnosed with another rare disease, severe Pulmonary Hypertension. The two rare illnesses made for a very poor prognosis and her health rapidly deteriorated, her only hope became a transplant. She blends her story with practical and beautiful insights on coping and surviving a catastrophic illness. Her book encourages and outlines the practical steps necessary to become an active participant in your own health care and includes a section on what health care professionals can do to help engage patients into a healing relationship. What follows is an uplifting, sometimes funny, heartbreaking, gritty and raw tale of how she made it through not only her illnesses, but her transplant and all the bumps, small pebbles and huge boulders, along the way.

239 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 7, 2013

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because I have that "fatal" disease, Scleroderma, and I was amazed that someone could undergo a double lung and heart transplant and survive. De Vivo definitely expressed herself well and shared her arduous journey without mincing words and mixing in just enough medical facts without getting too technical and sharing some "aha" moments as well. I was only disappointed that the kindle version I read had numerous spelling and grammatical errors, otherwise, a must read for those who may be or are transplant candidates. Become a donor!

[Laura Sehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

I will be sharing this book with my mother who suffers from chronic autoimmune diseases. Liz is so honest about the good AND the bad that comes with a devastating diagnosis. She was able to overcome so much and come to peace with with the cards life dealt her, this is such an important lesson for all of us. I hope she is blessed with continuous good news from her doctors.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I was recently diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension and this book truly inspired me and helped me feel at peace. Liz DeVivo, you are inspirational. Thank you for writing this.

[Amy A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging & Hope-filled - Sceroderma Sister Here

I picked this book out of the library at random, not even knowing it was about a woman's fight against Scleroderma related PHT. I myself am a Scleroderma warrior and found this book to be a wonderful gem. I'd encourage any chronically ill person to read this book; I can assure you that you'll relate to her journey on some level or another. I'm in awe of her courage and will to fight on through her many struggles. Liz DeVivo has been added to my list of heros.