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Untether: Inspiration for Living Free and Strong No Matter What the Challenge
Proceeds of book sales go to the JT Mestdagh Foundation , which Mestdagh launched to support people facing challenges, whether it be disease, disability, disappointment, or dyslexia. An extreme skier, experienced mountaineer, and boater, Mestdagh divides his time between Michigan and Colorado.
Diagnosed with a life-threatening syndrome called VATER/VACTERL, Mestdagh endured 250 days in hospitals before age 3 and 16 major surgeries before age 16 . As soon as doctors discovered one condition and treated it, a new and worse one would pop up. On top of that, Mestdagh has such severe dyslexia and short-term memory loss that his school told him in fourth grade that he would be illiterate for life.
Infused with drama and humor, UNTETHER will pull you through the relentless suffering into light-filled breakthroughs—because Mestdagh and his family stood strong in their faith and never, never, never gave up.
Along with years of medical treatments and nonstop home care, his parents relentlessly hunted for the right program to help Mestdagh learn to read. Nothing worked until in fifth grade a God-arranged encounter with a unique system called Tattum Reading changed Mestdagh’s life forever.
UNTETHER tells a story of courage, determination, and overcoming. Young or not-so-young, you will come away with a renewed sense of hope and possibility. Learn that you are not a mistake; you are created for something amazing. After all, if an ailing toddler who practically lived in a hospital can now climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, if a boy who couldn’t read or write can now publish his memoir, you too have no limits to what you can accomplish!
Diagnosed with a life-threatening syndrome called VATER/VACTERL, Mestdagh endured 250 days in hospitals before age 3 and 16 major surgeries before age 16 . As soon as doctors discovered one condition and treated it, a new and worse one would pop up. On top of that, Mestdagh has such severe dyslexia and short-term memory loss that his school told him in fourth grade that he would be illiterate for life.
Infused with drama and humor, UNTETHER will pull you through the relentless suffering into light-filled breakthroughs—because Mestdagh and his family stood strong in their faith and never, never, never gave up.
Along with years of medical treatments and nonstop home care, his parents relentlessly hunted for the right program to help Mestdagh learn to read. Nothing worked until in fifth grade a God-arranged encounter with a unique system called Tattum Reading changed Mestdagh’s life forever.
UNTETHER tells a story of courage, determination, and overcoming. Young or not-so-young, you will come away with a renewed sense of hope and possibility. Learn that you are not a mistake; you are created for something amazing. After all, if an ailing toddler who practically lived in a hospital can now climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, if a boy who couldn’t read or write can now publish his memoir, you too have no limits to what you can accomplish!
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2019
27 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 17, 2019
This is the story of an incredible young man who has faced enormous challenges throughout his young life. Guided by a deep faith and the love of his family and friends his book will give you the encouragement you need to face life’s uncertainties.
March 31, 2020
Very intriguing and educational
This book gave me insight into the amazing adventure JT has endured his entire life. With continuous ups and downs, he never let this get in the way of his goals and happiness. It's amazing how supportive his parents and family are with his journey of life. This is an amazing story for any healthcare professional to read as it encourages us to never give up on patients and their success.
I met JT in high school and he had the most contagious positive energy I have ever encountered in a 17 year old. Keep doing amazing things JT , we are all rooting for you!
This book gave me insight into the amazing adventure JT has endured his entire life. With continuous ups and downs, he never let this get in the way of his goals and happiness. It's amazing how supportive his parents and family are with his journey of life. This is an amazing story for any healthcare professional to read as it encourages us to never give up on patients and their success.
I met JT in high school and he had the most contagious positive energy I have ever encountered in a 17 year old. Keep doing amazing things JT , we are all rooting for you!
June 5, 2019
JT's incredible journey to health and literacy is beautifully documented in Untether. His recollections and reflections really give you a sense of what the journey JT and his family were on. Humor, reality, and brilliant insight are all in there. EVERY parent of a DYSLEXIC child or a child with a serious or chronic medical issue MUST read Untether. Guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes and a smile to your face. Thank you, JT, for sharing your story.
July 27, 2022
J.T. Mestdagh, grandson of John and Marlene Boll (the Helm...) and his struggles with birth defects and disabilities, dyslexia - because of him F.A.S.T. reading programs were introduced to Grosse Pointe schools...
He has overcome many obstacles - and has climbed Kilamanjaro, and other mountains, skis, paddle boards for charity (w/Mike Hix joining him), written two books, and is a speaker - The Helm July 2022.
A wonderful inspiring individual.
He has overcome many obstacles - and has climbed Kilamanjaro, and other mountains, skis, paddle boards for charity (w/Mike Hix joining him), written two books, and is a speaker - The Helm July 2022.
A wonderful inspiring individual.
January 4, 2022
This is a quick read and an inspiring book by and about a young man born with severe internal organ malformations as well as learning and memory disabilities. With courage and good humor, he and his parents would deal with his many surgeries and academic struggles to allow him to graduate from college and become a an entrepreneur and a motivational speaker.
June 30, 2019
JT’s life is truly an inspiration! He has gone through and done so much at a young age. His book will inspire you to look at life’s challenges and take them on! Thank you JT. For sharing!
November 13, 2019
Extraordinary young man who had so many
challenges since the day he was born.
A very touching story of determination.
challenges since the day he was born.
A very touching story of determination.
May 3, 2020
Excellent book written by a friend of the family. JT chronicles his many challenges in life with optimism and tenacity. Extremely motivational and inspiring read. Highly recommend.
June 22, 2022
Great book.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews