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My Every Breath: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Hope
The compelling story of a woman's lifelong battle with Cystic Fibrosis and her astonishing resilience despite a double lung transplant and a senseless murder.Anna Maynard was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when she was six months old, at a time when average life expectancy for children afflicted with the genetic disorder was only fourteen years. Throughout her tumultuous childhood, Anna found for a life of normalcy and despite the death of her older sister, France—who succumbed to the same disease—Anna pursued her dream to live a long, productive life with courage, determination and hope.
- GenresMemoirNonfictionMedical
449 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2019
265 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 25, 2021
Considering this is a Kindle Unlimited self published book it is pretty good I enjoyed reading it. There was much more to the author’s story than her struggle with cystic fibrosis and double lung transplant. Her family certainly had more than its share of tragedy.
September 3, 2023
True Words
"Anything is possible." These words have been the innate attitude of this author. She allowed herself to be healthy even though she was born with cystic fibrosis. The tragedies along the way in life got her down, but her remarkable attitude lifted her back up and she continues to beat the odds.
To live with cystic fibrosis before it was understood as it is today was a huge hurdle. However, her medical accomplishments continue, difficult hurdle after the other. Reminders that family and friends should always be nutured and cultivated relationships.
"Anything is possible." These words have been the innate attitude of this author. She allowed herself to be healthy even though she was born with cystic fibrosis. The tragedies along the way in life got her down, but her remarkable attitude lifted her back up and she continues to beat the odds.
To live with cystic fibrosis before it was understood as it is today was a huge hurdle. However, her medical accomplishments continue, difficult hurdle after the other. Reminders that family and friends should always be nutured and cultivated relationships.
July 20, 2019
Loved the book tremendously. Well written to describe heartache and difficult times, but more importantly to offer hope and courage.
July 30, 2019
I couldn’t put it down. A story of immense tragedy, love and resilience.
September 23, 2019
Amazing strength through unbelievable hardship
Through the love of her mother and siblings and the tragic death of her sister. The terrible murder of her mother.
Through the love of her mother and siblings and the tragic death of her sister. The terrible murder of her mother.
May 19, 2021
A True Fighter
This author's remarkable journey is an inspiration. She and family members have dealt with a number of illnesses and hardships. Any one of them would set most of us back and discourage us. But she moved forward, focused and determined. The heartbreaking loss of her mother whose legacy of courage, caring and unselfish love lives on on her family, is devastating to read. Evil lurked and destroyed a beautiful life.. People who live with serious and chronic illness will be so encouraged. And those blessed with a healthy body , free of a chronic and life/death illness should find a deeper appreciation for their life .All of us
also can become more sensitive to those around us who struggle daily. Reach out, support them, and advocate for a better understanding to accept their challenges.
This author's remarkable journey is an inspiration. She and family members have dealt with a number of illnesses and hardships. Any one of them would set most of us back and discourage us. But she moved forward, focused and determined. The heartbreaking loss of her mother whose legacy of courage, caring and unselfish love lives on on her family, is devastating to read. Evil lurked and destroyed a beautiful life.. People who live with serious and chronic illness will be so encouraged. And those blessed with a healthy body , free of a chronic and life/death illness should find a deeper appreciation for their life .All of us
also can become more sensitive to those around us who struggle daily. Reach out, support them, and advocate for a better understanding to accept their challenges.
September 1, 2020
I enjoyed this very much. I had nephew to die of CF at 22 months old. It was discovered soon after his birth as he was born with a bowel obstruction. He was sick or in the hospital it seemed like the whole 22 months. I saw with my own eyes the huge task his care was when at home, between meds, the percussion that seemed so harsh but I knew was necessary, the coughing that was the most awful thing I’d ever heard. But most of all, I’ll never forget the haunted look in his Mama’s eyes after he died...she loved him so much and took such good care of him. That look is still there to some degree, about 34 years later.
August 28, 2021
Beautiful memoir
This book shared her mother’s struggles as well as her siblings growing up with CP. I wished this kindle version had pictures of her family. Elizabeth raised a beautiful family and I only wish I had met her. Thank you to both authors.
This book shared her mother’s struggles as well as her siblings growing up with CP. I wished this kindle version had pictures of her family. Elizabeth raised a beautiful family and I only wish I had met her. Thank you to both authors.
December 6, 2021
very sad and heartwarming story
This book was a wonderfully organized. It brings the reader into thieves and makes you feel you are there with them. So very sorry for the loss and suffering your family went through. May God bless and enrich your lives from here on.
This book was a wonderfully organized. It brings the reader into thieves and makes you feel you are there with them. So very sorry for the loss and suffering your family went through. May God bless and enrich your lives from here on.
May 23, 2022
Absolutely compelling story of family love, loss and tragedy . Strength and courage to fight and go on not only in health but the loss of their mom so heartbreaking . Very well written and a very good read !!! Stay up late nights to finish reading .
July 1, 2025
What an amazing capturing and inspiring memoir of a family who experienced very sick children with cystic fibrosis, cancers, transplants, poverty, the loss of children, substance use and misuse, and the murder of the woman who always kept it together and held it down. While that might sort of be a spoiler alert, the story starts off talking about the trial. I couldn’t believe that one family could go through so much and then still have the energy to share and relive the pain and trauma that has come with it.
Some chapters are hard to follow with all the names as they go back and forth in time and remembrance but once in the chapter you can get back on track.
Thank you for sharing your life with us and encourage others to read this. Very informative and inspiring!
Some chapters are hard to follow with all the names as they go back and forth in time and remembrance but once in the chapter you can get back on track.
Thank you for sharing your life with us and encourage others to read this. Very informative and inspiring!
March 27, 2025
Wow! My best friend died the morning of my Senior in high school and this book brought back so many memories. She went through the same issues, had a double lung transplant as well, and I was there through it all. This book brought back so many memories and at one of point of time I couldn't hold back the tears. I haven't cried about her in forever and I couldn't get them to stop. This is such a great book and so well written. Thank you Anna for sharing your story.
June 30, 2022
A gripping memoir that takes place in my province of Manitoba. So many unusual happenings in the life of one person & her family! Karen and Anna have done an exceptional job of keeping the reader engaged! Thank you, Anna, for sharing your personal journey.
January 9, 2023
great read
I loved the book it brought back many feelings ,My younger brother also has CF. He also had a double lung transplant and is still with us. I hope someday they will find a cure for this disease, they have come along way.
I loved the book it brought back many feelings ,My younger brother also has CF. He also had a double lung transplant and is still with us. I hope someday they will find a cure for this disease, they have come along way.
June 14, 2023
A page turner of a memoir
I enjoyed the story, the intrigue, and getting to know Anna and her family. Holding back tears at many points and laughing at others, it was easy to imagine myself as part of the family. Such a good read!
I enjoyed the story, the intrigue, and getting to know Anna and her family. Holding back tears at many points and laughing at others, it was easy to imagine myself as part of the family. Such a good read!
October 15, 2023
What an amazing life story! With grit, hard work & determination, Anna & her family (facing unbelievable trials & illnesses) found life & joy despite the difficulties. This was a fascinating well written memoir!
August 21, 2021
Okay Read
Too much heart ache for one family to endure. But through it all there is love and kindness and hope.
Too much heart ache for one family to endure. But through it all there is love and kindness and hope.
September 3, 2021
Triumphant
A powerful story of a woman who never gave up and was inspired by her mother who was the same. You will experience joy, sadness, laughter and love with this book.
A powerful story of a woman who never gave up and was inspired by her mother who was the same. You will experience joy, sadness, laughter and love with this book.
January 9, 2022
Uplifting
Thank you for telling your story. Your mother, you and your family have been so strong. Thank you for your courage.
Thank you for telling your story. Your mother, you and your family have been so strong. Thank you for your courage.
February 14, 2022
SOSO
It just went on and on! But I admire her for her fortitude. Just found the book depressing. Probably just my low mood.
It just went on and on! But I admire her for her fortitude. Just found the book depressing. Probably just my low mood.
May 13, 2022
grammar
The only thing I didn’t like in the book was the wrong use of, for example, “Gilles and I”. If it’s the object of the sentence, it should be “Gilles and me”.
The only thing I didn’t like in the book was the wrong use of, for example, “Gilles and I”. If it’s the object of the sentence, it should be “Gilles and me”.
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July 24, 2022Hard to put the hook down
Amazing story, very engaging and hard ..
to put the book down..
If you are looking for an interesting memoir this is your book
Amazing story, very engaging and hard ..
to put the book down..
If you are looking for an interesting memoir this is your book
September 11, 2022
My every breath!
A well written sad & wonderful book at the same time. Enjoyed this heart warming book to the end.
Thank you Anna for your bravery.
A well written sad & wonderful book at the same time. Enjoyed this heart warming book to the end.
Thank you Anna for your bravery.
November 4, 2022
Great Book
The story shows how much you can accomplish when faced with difficulties either physical or mental by never accepting defeat.
The story shows how much you can accomplish when faced with difficulties either physical or mental by never accepting defeat.
August 4, 2024
Endurance
It’s hard to not to feel sorry but admire this strong lady, her patience, endurance, and family commitment. She went through so much.
It’s hard to not to feel sorry but admire this strong lady, her patience, endurance, and family commitment. She went through so much.
December 23, 2019
A peek into someone tragedy and triumph
This book was nearly autobiographical. It was still very good. Seeing someone else's struggles made mine seems less lonely. I recommend reading this book.
This book was nearly autobiographical. It was still very good. Seeing someone else's struggles made mine seems less lonely. I recommend reading this book.
August 6, 2022
This book was so well written and whilst dealing with some very sad issues amongst the authors broader family and of course the continual battle with her own health it lacked self pity and showed real fortitude.
This is not just a book about CF but about love, family and tragedy all wrapped up in the admirable determination of the author to live her very best life.
This is not just a book about CF but about love, family and tragedy all wrapped up in the admirable determination of the author to live her very best life.
November 30, 2020
The writing felt amateur but it was very worth the read. Anna's story is unbelievable and has stayed with me since I read it almost a year ago.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews