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My name is....Jane

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This is a true story about a young girl, Jane Smith, who falls ill to a mysterious illness at the tender age of Fourteen years old. The doctors are left completely baffled, eventually seeking help from medical professors from around the world. These doctors flew in from all over the world, to South Africa, to study Jane's case personally. Jane's illness was eventually diagnosed as rare, but Jane's parents always believed she was wrongly diagnosed. This story brings across her bravery and courage, more so her will too live, as well as the turmoil that smothered her family's lives along the way. Its a story of true dedication and a grace of never giving up. A tearjerker, that teaches you the true meaning of family and love.

333 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 14, 2013

86 people are currently reading
186 people want to read

About the author

Tracy Dawn Badenhorst

1 book2 followers

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5 stars
200 (48%)
4 stars
108 (26%)
3 stars
69 (16%)
2 stars
26 (6%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
86 reviews10 followers
August 21, 2017
I am lost for words to describe how this family coped and what they went through. What a beautiful story of an amazing family. An account of faith, bravery, compassion and love . A mother's love that cannot be equaled and sibling loyalty that knows no bounds. Thank you Tracy for sharing Jane's story.
10 reviews
March 14, 2015
Thank you for one of the best books I ever read

This was the greatest book I ever read. When you can read a book and it stirs your emotions whether it be tears, laughter, or other you know you have read a good book. Their were some misspelled words but in this case I think they can be overlooked. I do hope the author plans on writing more but next time take more care with the spelling.
Profile Image for Colette.
296 reviews4 followers
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July 17, 2016
Although this book is a heartrending story there were two factors that spoiled it for me. I understand that the author was writing from her memories as a young child, but the book was written in a catalogue/chronology style. Secondly, the English was very poor. I know I am very pedantic when it comes to English, but it seriously affected my enjoyment of the book. Surely, as a published author, somebody proof-reads or edits the book before it goes to print?
1 review
June 20, 2018
What a beautiful way to share your story Tracy... Jane is undoubtedly an inspiration, but so are all the members of the Smith and Badenhorst families who stood by and supported each other through all the good and bad time, trials and tribulations. Thank you so much for sharing your story Tracy... it's rejuvenated my motivation to stay strong and battle on in my own medical battle. I'll definitely be recommending this book!
174 reviews7 followers
November 17, 2014
A TRUE STORY OF FAMILY COMMITMENT

A sensitive woman takes the reader back to her childhood to relive her family's struggles and courage during her sister's mysterious illness of many years. The author's frankness pulls the reader into their family's trials and triumphs. It is an emotional, satisfying read.
Profile Image for Joy.
226 reviews17 followers
January 11, 2015
This is my 2nd time to read this book - it's so inspiring Janes positive attitude , determination and her fight for life. I cried both times reading this book - amazing family that is there for one another thru thick and thin.
11 reviews
February 3, 2016
I cannot put into words what this book has done for me. Love. Faith. Joy. Sadness . Grief. And so much more.

I would recommend this book to everyone from young teens to the oldest. The love of family and how through good and bad they were there for one another.
Profile Image for Linda.
13 reviews
March 17, 2016
A breathtaking account of family love.

This true story is heart wrenching. I could hardly contain my emotions as I read this book. Tears, joy, laughter and reality! A good read for those looking for life's reason.
Profile Image for Barb.
40 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2017
Good book!

This is a goodtearful book, especially in some places that family had a lot of hard times and the found ways to cope with it. Jane loosing her life at such a young age is so sad. She was so sick for so long but dealt with it in an amazing way.
Profile Image for Kay Castaneda.
Author 4 books27 followers
May 11, 2017
Family

I loved this story. Family is all to the writer, especially for Jane, the sister who spent half her life being ill. Badenhorst writes with strength and hope and continues on the journey of life.
Profile Image for Joy.
226 reviews17 followers
April 21, 2014
Sad but uplifting story of one very courageous girl who fought to live as long as she could , amazing doctors with her strength and pushing thru all the obstacles along the way.
Profile Image for Mary Davis.
87 reviews
May 9, 2014
interesting story just have to get past the incorrect spellings and over punctuation as it is an unedited book.
Profile Image for Lisa.
3 reviews
January 20, 2016
started slow...ended good...sad but good...was hoping they eventually found out what illness Jane had but unfortunately it never happened...
Profile Image for Pat Farkas.
1 review1 follower
February 18, 2015
A family memoir.

It's an amazing story of a South African family that keeps you wanting to read more. Inspiring characters and well-written in spite of not having an editor.
3 reviews
June 30, 2015
Amazing

The book was not written very well, but the story is so touching!!! A must read!!! You will appreciate life more after reading this book!
Profile Image for Patricia J Huckaba.
14 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2015
Inspirational

I rarely write reviews but this is an amazing book ,about a young girl full of courage and hope. If only we could all be so brave and kind.
1 review
January 2, 2017
Good book

I liked this book because you want to read and find out more about the main character. Her strength and determination is beyond words. A good read, it was hard to put down
215 reviews
February 14, 2017
A True Life Story

This is true family story as seen through the author's eyes. Read to follow one family's way of dealing with tragedy.
Profile Image for Sabrina Vanderstaay.
18 reviews
May 21, 2018
Beautiful

Wonderfully written and a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. I was glad i got to know the family through their words.
Profile Image for MiMi.
540 reviews13 followers
May 10, 2021
Tear jerker

A beautiful story about a family’s love for each other. The strength each and every member of this family had was astounding. Their lives were lived on a roller coaster ride. Life as they knew it changed forever when their older sister Jane fell ill one day. Hospital corridors were their second home. For 16 years Jane fought ailment after disabling ailment; countless amount of surgeries, and agonizing spasms that rendered her bedridden. Yet, she was the light that never dimmed. Jane was their rock even in the after-life. They lived their lives mindful of what Jane lived through and how much of a fighter she was. A definite tear jerker this story.
Profile Image for Joy.
135 reviews
October 30, 2017
Heartbreaking, I dare you to read this book and not cry your heart out. This has to be the saddest book I ever read. There is a life lesson though, life is not prefect, sometimes life throw us a curveball and we have to adapt to it. This book is a excellent example of a mothers/family love and the trails and tribulations they went through in dealing with daughter/sister illness. Highly recommend this book along with a box of tissues.
37 reviews
July 20, 2018
This true story broke my heart that even with medical technology not all things can be defined. The tenacity of this family and their undying love of each other was very moving and proves that we can draw close even in circumstances that make no sense or have rhyme or reason.
4 reviews
December 1, 2019
Wonderful Read

Thank you for sharing your story! I bawled my eyes out! God Bless you and your family! What a beautiful soul your mother and sister had! Your love for them is amazing!
12 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2019
Heartwarming Book of Love and Perseverance

Excellent book for any family who has suffered with an chronically ill child. Very thorough in it's descriptions of the grace and grit of daily life with the gift of a child who is different. Inspiring!
3 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2021
Makes you appreciate everyday and your family in all ways

Individuals going through a time of Health concerns or personal grief. The story is written from a sister's point of view
84 reviews4 followers
October 23, 2021
What A Story!

This is such a wonderful book about family, illness, strength, and the love that gets you through each moment you are alive. I really did feel as though I had met Jane by the end of this story... and I really wish I could have met her for true.
7 reviews
October 31, 2021
The book was a bit repetitive. While it is a memoir of her sister’s illness, the author also describes the impact on the family. A bittersweet story but a bit longer and more repetitive than it needed to be.
Profile Image for Howard Katzoff.
280 reviews5 followers
November 12, 2017
An incredible story!

This was a sad story but a fascinating one. I couldn't put it down and spent the day reading it to the end. Well worth the time.
8 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2019
Excellent

As someone who was diagnosed with Gbs, I totally relate to this book! Is this a true story? It is very heartfelt and emotional.
1 review
December 29, 2020
An inspiring story told with raw honesty. The family members were strong and fiercely loyal to each other and I was in awe, of the grace, strength and bravery of Jane, who taught us to be gracious and grateful. The calm, protective and tireless force of the Mother was pure and selfless and the bond among the sisters and their Mother was pure and magical.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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