Get Me to 21: The Jenna Lowe Story

by Gabi Lowe

Get Me to 21: The Jenna Lowe Story is the riveting memoir by Gabi Lowe, the mother of Lead SA activist Jenna Lowe, the brilliant teenager who was the driving force behind the famous #GetMeto21 campaign. Jenna was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension, an extremely rare illness that, after a double lung transplant, ultimately led to her untimely death, four months before her 21st birthday.

In this riveting and brutally honest memoir, in all its terrible truth, pain and beauty, Gabi Lowe shares her family’s extraordinary four-year battle to save Jenna’s life.

Despite the tragic loss of Jenna, Get Me to 21 will leave the reader deeply inspired and reminded of the capabilities and depths of the human spirit. Embracing grit, resilience and never turning her back on the hope to save her daughter’s life, Gabi Lowe encourages us to believe that the ability to face darkness lives deep within us all.

500 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2019

Reviews

[Jo Bouwhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. Harrowing. Don’t want to ever read it again but very happy I did read it. Can’t stop thinking about the pain and anguish. I hope the parents are able to celebrate the special times in Jenna’s life.

[Mya · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a hard book to rate. It made me sad. I admired the entire family for how they handled what life threw at them. And it was clear that, although not an unpleasant read, Gabi is no writer.

I will admit, even though I have spent most of my adult life in Cape Town, the Jenna Lowe story completely passed me by when it was happening. The copy pf the book that I read had some nice photos which helped make the people more real - and I soon find myself consulting Google and YouTube for more of the story.

The one horrible thing about true-life stories, is that you know how it ends, even if you might be rooting for miracles.

Other minor things that bugged me
- Everyone was described with at least three adjectives. At least once. Sometimes more. They were brilliant, compassionate and empathetic. Or resilient, admirable and calming. You get my drift.
- Although I believe Jenna, her sister, and their circle of friends were amazing, most of the story happened when they were teens. And I find it hard to believe that everyone was so supportive/understanding/mature all of the time.

The story is inspiring and worth a read.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because of having experienced my own trauma and loss, I try to steer clear of anything of this ilk - is just too triggering. However, this book is so beautifully and honestly written I felt compelledto give it a read. I only cried right at the end, and the messages of hope, healing and choosing life despite (and because of) the pain are ones that we could all use, I think. To be honest, I only vaguely recall the historical events. I had my head so far down in my own life that I couldn't really pay attention to anyone else's suffering. But Gabi got it right - if you want to survive your own life you need to lift your head and really engage in others' lives. It's too easy to seal yourself off in a little bubble, because being there for others is costly. Yet, paradoxically, in expending yourself for others you find the strength to live your best life.

[Bianca Downey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful written book, its helped me deal with alot that I've been going through. So often we get lost in our own story until we read someone else's. Your writing has motivated me to be a better human being through what you and your family have been through and the way your express yourself in complete vulnerability!

It takes a special mother to do what you have and not all of them could do what you have, if I think of a super hero I think of you.

[Carla Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely poignant story. Gosh, I read this book cover to cover. It was beautifully written and so heartfelt. As somebody with PH myself, the story hit home for me. Lowe wrote with such honesty. The final chapters were so challenging to read as you can feel the tension building as Jenna fights for her life. A true story of a family that somehow, through everything, managed to keep it together to get through some of the worst heartbreak people can ever experience.

[Marion Roux · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Gabi Lowe's memoir of her family and in particular her first born, a daughter, Jenna. It deals primarily with Jenna's battle with Pulmonary Hypertension, the illness, the prognosis, the lung transplant and everyone's roles throughout this time. It is very sad but also amazingly inspiring.
Be brave like they all have been and read this book.

[Izaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational a true story with many life lessons!

[Alex Bouche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written, heart breaking story.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sad book, but what an amazing family. Inspirational!

[Deri-anne Schniewind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwrenching. I sobbed and sobbed. Unbelievably well written. I feel like I know the whole family. I was already an organ donor but it's made me think how much more can I do.

[Philippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible read. I'm left feeling heartbroken after reading of this harrowing journey that the Lowe family went through. Gabi is an inspiration. She writes beautifully and from the heart.

[Linda Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a hear breaking story. No parent should ever have to go through that.

[Carms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutally honest, well written memoir about a mothers love, determination, and never giving up hope for her daughter.

Absolutely loved this one! 💯

[Tamar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart retching book about the true story of Jenna Lowe being diagnosed with chronic illness of pulmonary hypertension which leads to her receiving a lung transplant. The story is told by her mother and bits from Jenna,s and her sister,s, Kristy, diary. It is honestly written and will bring you to tears, if you are prone to tears with sad stories. Working on the other side, as a health professional, I felt that this book is important to bring to light how important it is to see the side of not just the patient, but the entire family who are going through the fight to stay alive...

[Nikki Wilsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Gabi Lowe for an immeasurable, grueling, moving, real and riveting read. I had no idea, from the sidelines, nor could anyone, comprehend the challenges, trials and tribulations of what you have endured, as a mother, but also as a family on this journey.
Beautiful Jenna - what a short, courageous, superhuman life!
Thank you for this gift! I have read it in a day!
I have wept, wailed, walked and screamed today too in response to it, feeling my own pain and experience of trauma. I now need to put my toes in the sand as it’s been too long. Stuart Lowe thank you for your wise and true words in your letter, that touch a delicate nerve!
You are a remarkable family, all of you and I am blessed beyond measure to know you all.
The glitter glue Alison McCutcheon will always be that Rainbow magic and shining light and Shirley Lowe a rock. This is a masterpiece!
A terrifying, true and ridiculous story!
I think I need a bunny... and a glass of wine! ❤️💋 #getmeto21

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest, brutal, heart wrenching and terribly sad.

My heart bled for this family and the horrible situation they were in. Despite their optimism and determination, the odds were against them all the way.

A hopeless situation. I wish I could re write it with a happier outcome.

[Nisha Varghese · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING BOOK!

[James Human · Rating 5 out of 5]

A courageous and moving account which affected me profoundly. Always been an organ donor so could appreciate the immense contribution this family has made to the cause.

[Delrae Lurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and heartbreaking.

[Gerhard Snyders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart breaking. Too many people would not make it going through this as a family