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Chasing Hope: A Patient's Deep Dive into Stem Cells, Faith, and the Future
After more than four decades living with multiple sclerosis, New York Times bestselling author Richard M. Cohen finds a flicker of hope in a groundbreaking medical procedure.Richard Cohen struggles with failing limbs and is legally blind. He has survived two bouts of colon cancer and a life-threatening blood clot in his lungs. After enduring decades of harsh treatments and invasive therapies, Cohen decided to trade in his life as a patient.In 2012, Cohen and his wife, Meredith Vieira, were invited to host and chair an adult stem cell conference at the Vatican. Scientists would be gathering in Rome to discuss stem cell therapy for autoimmune diseases, including MS. A believer in the power of denial and determination over faith and hope, Cohen was caught off guard by what he learned. Medical technology had advanced further and more quickly than Cohen had known. Could there be a chance his health could improve? Could MS be cured? As Cohen took part in a pioneering stem cell protocol, he opened himself to the possibility of hope for the first time in his adult life.Cohen's deep dive into the cutting-edge world of stem cell research and his journalistic investigation of hope includes interviews with doctors, scientists, and religious leaders, as well as conversations with others living with chronic conditions, all with the goal of understanding a hope that is both elusive and alluring.As drily funny as it is emotionally vulnerable, Chasing Hope navigates the fascinating and ever-changing intersection between illness and hope.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2018
32 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 18, 2018
Hope
MS and I are like unwelcome roommates, neither of us have the option of moving out of this body we share.
MS and I are like unwelcome roommates, neither of us have the option of moving out of this body we share.
May 15, 2018
Richard Cohen was diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis in 1973, when he was in his mid-twenties, but continued working as a journalist as long as he could. Before he contracted MS, Cohen was an energetic man who enjoyed vigorous physical exercise and took vacations to far-flung places. As time passed, his gait became unsteady, he had two bouts with colon cancer, and he became legally blind. Through it all, his wife, Meredith Viera, and their three children were a strong source of support.
In "Chasing Hope," Cohen reveals how having MS affected him and his family. At times, Cohen admits, he was moody, argumentative, angry, and frustrated. He does not rely on a higher power to whom he can pray for salvation, but would be grateful if there were a viable treatment to ease his symptoms. He has no expectations of a cure, but has undergone experimental stem cell therapy. Cohen continues to write, but he feels diminished. "I am a different person from the one I used to know," he says.
The author addresses the subjects of hope and faith at great length. If there is no rational reason to expect an improvement in one's circumstances, why should one believe that things will get better? To address this conundrum, he talks with proponents of various religions; physicians and researchers; and others coping with debilitating disorders, but he reaches no firm conclusions. Lee Woodruff, whose husband, Bob, suffered a traumatic brain injury in Iraq, maintains that "despair is crippling" and "moving forward is the only choice we have if we want to grapple with our new realities." In addition, Cohen urges medical practitioners to temper honesty about their patients' prognoses with compassion. The mind and body are connected, and a physician's encouragement may drive us to keep fighting, even when the outcome seems bleak. Although Cohen breaks little new ground in "Chasing Hope," and his prose rambles at times, this cathartic book may resonate with people and their caregivers who deal with the pain and indignity of chronic illness on a daily basis.
In "Chasing Hope," Cohen reveals how having MS affected him and his family. At times, Cohen admits, he was moody, argumentative, angry, and frustrated. He does not rely on a higher power to whom he can pray for salvation, but would be grateful if there were a viable treatment to ease his symptoms. He has no expectations of a cure, but has undergone experimental stem cell therapy. Cohen continues to write, but he feels diminished. "I am a different person from the one I used to know," he says.
The author addresses the subjects of hope and faith at great length. If there is no rational reason to expect an improvement in one's circumstances, why should one believe that things will get better? To address this conundrum, he talks with proponents of various religions; physicians and researchers; and others coping with debilitating disorders, but he reaches no firm conclusions. Lee Woodruff, whose husband, Bob, suffered a traumatic brain injury in Iraq, maintains that "despair is crippling" and "moving forward is the only choice we have if we want to grapple with our new realities." In addition, Cohen urges medical practitioners to temper honesty about their patients' prognoses with compassion. The mind and body are connected, and a physician's encouragement may drive us to keep fighting, even when the outcome seems bleak. Although Cohen breaks little new ground in "Chasing Hope," and his prose rambles at times, this cathartic book may resonate with people and their caregivers who deal with the pain and indignity of chronic illness on a daily basis.
March 3, 2025
An inspiring book for anyone who does daily battles with life-threatening conditions, MS. or otherwise. Some of the early chapters cover some of the same material he wrote about in his previous book, Blindsided, as a way of bringing someone up to speed had they not read his previous book.
He explores hope, and religion along the way as a means of coping with his life, searching out religious leaders for inspiration. Not a religious person himself, he embraces some ideas that encourages optimism. if only to calm his mind.
Along the way, he is invited to participate in a conference at the Vatican in Rome chaired by the director of the Vatican's Science and Faith Foundation. Scientists and researchers are in attendance as are some who are afflicted with life-threaten diseases. He meets Dr. Sadiq, who is involved in research in using stem cells to battle MS and other diseases. He is invited to meet with the doctor in New York which sets up a journey for Cohen in this new treatment. After years of treatments for MS that were not giving him any relief, he opts to move forward after the FDA approves Sadiq's procedure for a research trial. First step is testing to establish the baseline for his condition against which his treatment will be measured.
It is hard to imagine having a disease in which you have to place trust in innovative new treatments, and throw any cautions to the wind and have faith for, if not a cure, a better situation that you are already facing.
"For me, finding hope is a journey without end. I am committed to the trek. If hope darts in and out of sight, keep searching. It is somewhere. When you are tired of scanning the skies, just walk over to any mirror and take a hard look. Stand still and stare at yourself. Squint if necessary. Often, we do not recognize what stands a few feet before us. Hope may be looking at you in the eye."
"As drily funny as it is emotionally vulnerable, Chasing Hope navigates the fascinating and ever-changing intersection between illness and hope."
He explores hope, and religion along the way as a means of coping with his life, searching out religious leaders for inspiration. Not a religious person himself, he embraces some ideas that encourages optimism. if only to calm his mind.
Along the way, he is invited to participate in a conference at the Vatican in Rome chaired by the director of the Vatican's Science and Faith Foundation. Scientists and researchers are in attendance as are some who are afflicted with life-threaten diseases. He meets Dr. Sadiq, who is involved in research in using stem cells to battle MS and other diseases. He is invited to meet with the doctor in New York which sets up a journey for Cohen in this new treatment. After years of treatments for MS that were not giving him any relief, he opts to move forward after the FDA approves Sadiq's procedure for a research trial. First step is testing to establish the baseline for his condition against which his treatment will be measured.
It is hard to imagine having a disease in which you have to place trust in innovative new treatments, and throw any cautions to the wind and have faith for, if not a cure, a better situation that you are already facing.
"For me, finding hope is a journey without end. I am committed to the trek. If hope darts in and out of sight, keep searching. It is somewhere. When you are tired of scanning the skies, just walk over to any mirror and take a hard look. Stand still and stare at yourself. Squint if necessary. Often, we do not recognize what stands a few feet before us. Hope may be looking at you in the eye."
"As drily funny as it is emotionally vulnerable, Chasing Hope navigates the fascinating and ever-changing intersection between illness and hope."
March 13, 2019
I loved this book. I took a journey with Richard in hopes of finding a 'cure' to MS. Being an atheist, he questioned if he could have hope, without being a believer of God. I have all the hope possible (and belief in God) that there's a way to get beyond this chronic illness before I die. Now I know it's possible. Stem cell therapy is the way to go!
Richard Cohen, journalist/ reporter/ writer, struggles beyond 40 years with MS, battles cancer and a host of other maladies to get a chance to be a part of the first FDA approved Phase 1 clinical study in NYC at the Tisch MS Research Center with Dr. Sadiq (who has got to be the most celebrated MS specialist in this country). Every detail is explained of the process. I even feel I know his kids and wife, Meredith Viera, also in television reporting. I first learned of them in Brain and Life magazine, where she talks about her invaluable support and philanthropy when it comes to support.
Does it change lives? Yes! Are there variables? Yes! Page 270 lays out the results. Yesterday, 3-12-19 the announcement came that Phase 2 will begin!! I am ready to sign up, the minute Phase 3 completes and Medical Centers everywhere can take patients. There's 1 million of us in the USA.
In the interim, I'll follow his blog and watch part of his trial on YouTube. :)
Richard Cohen, journalist/ reporter/ writer, struggles beyond 40 years with MS, battles cancer and a host of other maladies to get a chance to be a part of the first FDA approved Phase 1 clinical study in NYC at the Tisch MS Research Center with Dr. Sadiq (who has got to be the most celebrated MS specialist in this country). Every detail is explained of the process. I even feel I know his kids and wife, Meredith Viera, also in television reporting. I first learned of them in Brain and Life magazine, where she talks about her invaluable support and philanthropy when it comes to support.
Does it change lives? Yes! Are there variables? Yes! Page 270 lays out the results. Yesterday, 3-12-19 the announcement came that Phase 2 will begin!! I am ready to sign up, the minute Phase 3 completes and Medical Centers everywhere can take patients. There's 1 million of us in the USA.
In the interim, I'll follow his blog and watch part of his trial on YouTube. :)
May 30, 2018
Hope not hopelessness
This book touched me so much. My circle of hope includes two friends with MS. I’ve read other books by Richard Cohen, as well as his blog. He makes me laugh and cry, often at the same time.
I found the entire book to be a great read. But what struck me the most was the section about hopelessness. Prolonged hopeless can have profound negative health consequences and can even lead to death.
I have friends who seem to be overwhelmed by our current political situation. Fear and hopelessness go hand in hand. I’ve talked with them about how I can no longer watch much news as it makes me physically ill. While I am “chasing hope” for a better world, it’s important for me to avoid fear and negativity.
I admire Richard and Meredith, as well as their children, for putting their lives out there for us to learn. Thank you.
This book touched me so much. My circle of hope includes two friends with MS. I’ve read other books by Richard Cohen, as well as his blog. He makes me laugh and cry, often at the same time.
I found the entire book to be a great read. But what struck me the most was the section about hopelessness. Prolonged hopeless can have profound negative health consequences and can even lead to death.
I have friends who seem to be overwhelmed by our current political situation. Fear and hopelessness go hand in hand. I’ve talked with them about how I can no longer watch much news as it makes me physically ill. While I am “chasing hope” for a better world, it’s important for me to avoid fear and negativity.
I admire Richard and Meredith, as well as their children, for putting their lives out there for us to learn. Thank you.
May 25, 2018
Holding Out For Hope
I know I’m not alone, and that is helpful. I am at least a one man cheering section for the success of stem cell treatments to succeed. Richard Cohen keeps me drawn to the next chapter and the next chapter in his almost impossible journey. The way he tells his story draws me into the enormity of his struggles, the relentless, necessary pursuit of a cure, not only for himself, but even more so for his remarkable adult children and ultimately anyone who contracts multiple sclerosis.
I know I’m not alone, and that is helpful. I am at least a one man cheering section for the success of stem cell treatments to succeed. Richard Cohen keeps me drawn to the next chapter and the next chapter in his almost impossible journey. The way he tells his story draws me into the enormity of his struggles, the relentless, necessary pursuit of a cure, not only for himself, but even more so for his remarkable adult children and ultimately anyone who contracts multiple sclerosis.
June 28, 2018
This book was a dive into a world I'm thankful to not have intimate knowledge in - the world of chronic disease. It is almost a memoir of Richard Cohen's experience of living for decades with MS, how his experiences shaped some of his life, and potential options for treatment. Overall, the book talked about his lack of hope in his early years, which actually stemmed from some of his conversations with his doctors.
Chasing Hope dove into different situations where people may have hope unexpectedly or seem to have lost hope. It helped me to revisit my feelings of hope in the world, even though I don't have to deal with chronic illness. It gives a lot of different perspective and insight into the world of living with MS.
Chasing Hope dove into different situations where people may have hope unexpectedly or seem to have lost hope. It helped me to revisit my feelings of hope in the world, even though I don't have to deal with chronic illness. It gives a lot of different perspective and insight into the world of living with MS.
January 11, 2025
Richard Cohen just died and I happened to be reading his book at the same time- serendipitous . I thought the book was inspiring and his search for the meaning and essence of hope while facing a long debilitating disease was so fascinating. Exploring religious , moral and psychological reasons to latch on to hope while facing a serious challenge is so difficult to do. Waxing and waning due to your own personal suffering strains you and your family. I appreciate his honesty and he was able to share most all about his successes and failures in looking to hope. A great book
June 9, 2018
As a person with a chronic health condition I just couldn't relate to his journey. It's so different than mine. I've never looked toward "people of faith" to give me courage to live my life more fully. I've looked at how I can make myself the healthiest person -- diet, exercise, attitude -- in spite of having a progressive condition. He talks with a lot of men -- doctors, preachers, patients -- which didn't have inspiring stories...for me. But, I suppose his journey resonates for others.
June 20, 2018
Explore hope's history with a heavy dose of what it's like to live with chronic disease
An enjoyable read that is more about hope and its history than it is about medical research (or certainly stem cells), this book will definitely give you a good idea of what living with chronic illness is like. There are good, solid facts about the clinical trial process. Stem cells and the status of stem cell research are not served particularly well by this book. The conversations on the exploration of "hope" with several interesting people that are part of the author's life or people he sought, and are from various religions, backgrounds and work lives, are fascinating and, in the aggregate, are an excellent study of this subject. The author's sometimes brutal honesty about his experience suffering for years with chronic illness, along with some very moving passages about communication with his family about how the disease was present in and affected their lives, bring emotional heft to the book.
An enjoyable read that is more about hope and its history than it is about medical research (or certainly stem cells), this book will definitely give you a good idea of what living with chronic illness is like. There are good, solid facts about the clinical trial process. Stem cells and the status of stem cell research are not served particularly well by this book. The conversations on the exploration of "hope" with several interesting people that are part of the author's life or people he sought, and are from various religions, backgrounds and work lives, are fascinating and, in the aggregate, are an excellent study of this subject. The author's sometimes brutal honesty about his experience suffering for years with chronic illness, along with some very moving passages about communication with his family about how the disease was present in and affected their lives, bring emotional heft to the book.
May 12, 2018
Excellent book! Thought provoking about the role that Hope plays in our life!
This book really touched me. Inspiring read about how hope helps us through this journey of life. Highly recommend this book.
This book really touched me. Inspiring read about how hope helps us through this journey of life. Highly recommend this book.
June 14, 2018
Richard Cohen's story of his progress (or lack thereof) with multiple sclerosis over 40 years and a last ditch effort to try stem cell therapy. Because my son has MS, I was very interested.
August 16, 2018
There was a lot he talked about regarding his life with Multiple Sclerosis that I could relate to. I want to go back and find those passages and highlight them.
August 25, 2018
Good read. Very much a personal journey story, but engaging.
May 11, 2023
Life of an MS patient and his journey questioning hope and faith. An insider into MS patient's challenges.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews