Unafraid: A survivor's quest for human connection

by Niyati Tamaskar, Asya Blue (Illustrator)

At 34, Niyati Tamaskar was diagnosed with cancer while she was breastfeeding her second child. As an engineer, she realized that she was a statistical outlier because this only occurs in 3% of lactating women. As an Indian, she came to realize the all-too-common truth that people with serious illness are often shunned and discussing a disease like cancer is frowned up. She chose not to be silent and challenged the cultural norm by writing a memoir about her journey.




The result is a transparent, no-holds-barred account of her diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Equal parts raw, inspiring, and laugh-out-loud absurd, Unafraid offers a gripping chronicle of one woman's fight to assert her humanity and strength, come hell or high water. The reader will find the many moments of despair and anguish eclipsed by accounts of the outpouring of love, support, and prayer Tamaskar received. Friends and family came together to make her battle surmountable-and even hopeful.




Tamaskar's story is one of courage, vulnerability, and having the gumption to laugh in the face of cancer.




All proceeds of the book are donated to the American Cancer Society.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2020

About the author

Niyati Tamaskar is an advocate for women in technology and engineering. She has spent her professional career developing electronic controls for a variety of machine applications and natural gas engines. She works as a technology planner at Cummins Inc., managing programs related to sustainability and energy security. Her passion for engineering extends to her work as regional leader of Center for Women in Technology (CWiT) North America. She promotes STEM education and strives to prioritize engineering careers among minorities.

Niyati immigrated to the United States from India in 2001. She lives in Columbus, Indiana, with her husband and their two children. Her hobbies include cooking, traveling the world and writing. She has authored a book called Unafraid: A Survivor’s Quest for Human Connection, a memoir about her cancer journey and the challenges of being a young survivor. All proceeds of the book are donated to the American Cancer Society.

Reviews

[Robin McCool · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in tears multiple times while reading this story, being reminded of my own mother's battle with cancer and the kindness of her oncologist, but so proud of how appreciative and eloquently spoken the author was throughout her journey. Amazing read not to be missed!

[Adam Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful narrative. Niyati paints a beautiful picture of her life and battle with Stage 3, Grade 3 invasive ductile breast cancer. It is a unique peek into the pysche of a strong, intelligent, independent woman as she fights through cancer treatment at the young age of 34.

What I liked most about this book was how personal it was. One of the themes in the book is vulnerability, and Niyati truly opens herself up in this story, and lays bare her raw emotions, her fears and insecurities, and trepidation about the future. But lest you think she is wallowing in self pity, that would be the furthest thing from the truth.

The book is full of hope, as Niyati remains optimistic. She shows time and time again that she is a fighter. Both in flashbacks to her early life, as well as relaying her cancer journey. She also shows her sense of humor and her relationship with the divine. I very much enjoyed this book, and would highly recommend it to others.

[Ink_Drinker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Kept me engaged til the end!

[Mallika Rathore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Niyati for this memoir. It is beautifully written and is brutally honest, and takes a reader on an emotional roller-coaster ride with this badass woman who kicked cancer's ass. It's inspirational for everyone.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read