Saved by A Stranger: Life Changing Journeys of Transplant Patients

by Lezlee Peterzell-Bellanich

​ Saved by a Stranger is an honest, down-to-earth, informative book inspiring hope, perseverance, and triumph for those who are facing the need for a new organ. Through great storytelling, the author helps patients and caregivers feel empowered as they face the challenges of the unknown. After battling a rare autoimmune disorder called Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) for 18 years, which led to cirrhosis, author Lezlee Peterzell-Bellanich's husband, Capt. Rob finally received his life-saving liver transplant on September 10, 2020, at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Today, he looks and feels like a healthy man with a new engine inside of him. I wrote this to help me get through this difficult time and encourage everyone to sign up for Organ donation.

Genres: Medical

236 pages, Hardcover

Published November 12, 2021

Reviews

[Sevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a powerful and emotional exploration into the lives of individuals who have undergone liver transplantation. This poignant book provides an in-depth look at the highs and lows experienced by patients before and after this life-saving procedure.

The author has a unique sensitivity and a profound passion for the subject matter, delving into the personal narratives of various individuals whose lives have been touched by liver donations, including her husband’s personal story. Each chapter focusing on a different person's journey, I was presented with a mosaic of challenges, triumphs, and reflections that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.

The book does an excellent job of educating the audience on the complexities of liver disease and the transplantation process without overwhelming them with medical jargon. Through skillful storytelling, Leslee conveys the difficulties surrounding the procedures and the healthcare system in a manner that is both accessible and engaging.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its capacity to humanize the experience of a liver transplant. The stories are raw and honest, filled with moments of vulnerability that reveal the mental and emotional fortitude required to face such an ordeal. The interweaving of narratives showcases a diverse array of perspectives, including the elation of being given a second chance at life, the gratitude towards the unknown donors, and the unbreakable bonds forged between patients in therapy together, their families, and medical caretakers.

What sets "Saved by a Stranger" apart is its ability to illuminate the silent struggles and often overlooked courage of those who live with chronic illness. The book celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

With grace and compassion, this author not only pays tribute to the strength of liver transplant patients but also serves as a heartfelt thank you to the silent heroes who made these life-saving procedures possible.

Perhaps, the extraordinary moment, in my humble opinion, was when Captain Rob carried out the most noble and heroic act of kindness. You will know the exact moment when you read it. A truly beautiful soul wrapped in a mortals cloak.

I will end this review with my final thought about the author and the feelings invoked by her personal perspective…

Leslee gave a noteworthy glimpse into the life of a sacrificial spouse. Loyal and devoted she embodies the essence of commitment, pouring her love and energy into her family. Her devotion is not merely a passive presence but an active force of stability and strength. Her dedication is a timeless testimony to the power of love and honor. She is both the heart and the backbone of her family and deserving of the most profound reverence.

[Jim Gleason · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome life adventure captured by a gifted writer! Saved by a Stranger tells the very personal journey of a caregiver wife, Lezlee, the author, and her husband, ‘Captain Rob’, as they face death and the many challenges of life dealing for 18 years with a failing liver finally leading up to a life-saving liver transplant on September 10, 2020.

For patients and families reading this story, their book is both scary and inspiring, not only with the details of the medical journey and transplant success, but also with the many complications of family life and business careers that are affected every step along the way. The reader sees through the author’s eyes the critical importance of friends and family support along with a strong faith in God and the transplant team so essential to surviving the life-threatening trials along the way.

There are many lessons to be learned as you walk beside this family, complimented with several interspersed chapters of other families’ stories they meet along the way on similar journeys of liver challenges. Adding yet another unique dimension, the author includes first-hand insights by medical professionals who supported them at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida.

I often judge the quality of a book by how engaging it becomes, to the point where the best books just can’t be put down once started. Such was the case with Saved by a Stranger which should have lingered on my ‘to be read’ pile until its time came, but instead, once briefly looked at on its early chapter, I couldn’t put it back down, a sign of how good this writer was in capturing their life challenge and journey. When you pick up the book, first look at the back cover and study the two photos of Lezlee and Rob as a couple, both before and after shots that convey the miracle of a liver transplant beyond words. That alone will inspire you to open the book and get as engrossed with their story as I was. To put this another way, I have read and reviewed almost 200 transplant related books, this one may be the best of them all. Nice work, Lezlee, both in surviving the ordeal that you, Rob and your family have gone through and in capturing that journey beautifully in this amazing book!
As Lezlee shares: ‘I wrote this to help me get through this difficult time and encourage everyone to sign up for organ donation.’ Her writings are a strong first-person message encouraging everyone to consider registering as an organ donor, telling the world instead of donating one’s organs to the ground in death, rather to donate them to save lives through organ donation as is shared beautifully here in Captain Rob’s family story.
PS: Be sure to enjoy the song Lezlee wrote found on the final pages, ‘Be a Giver of Your Liver’ which can also be seen at https://youtu.be/247bbbSMmNA

[S M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t want this book to end! From the beginning pages, Lezlee Peterzell-Bellanich draws the reader into her and her husband’s harrowing liver transplant journey, and through the ups and downs, you are completely invested. Lezlee is an engaging storyteller who, with candor and even humor, seamlessly weaves her and her husband’s story with the stories of fellow transplant recipients whom they encounter in a support group. The result is a compelling testament to the strength of hope and human resilience. Lezlee also pays homage to the people who play an integral role in the transplant process (e.g. surgeons, coordinators, social workers) and breaks down the intricacies of getting onto the transplant list, providing readers an inside look into a world that is not widely publicized. Equal parts captivating and informative, “Saved by a Stranger” is a must-read not only for those directly affected by organ transplantation but for everyone.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love non fiction medical stories. This one was just ok for me. I wanted so much more. I wasn’t that invested in the many chapters filled with snippets of people from the support group who had transplants. You only got a tiny bit of insight about them and their stories. Also I felt the author presented only a basic outline to the transplant life & experience. The ONE chapter that stood out for me was 14. It gave a lot of interesting facts about the transplant process. I read both books by Amy Silverstein who had 2 heart transplants. Her books were fabulous. You felt as though you lived the experience. Also Amy recently passed away and she did a commentary on tv about how the transplant anti rejection meds haven’t changed or improved on over 40 years. So while the gift of organ donation is truly a generous gift of life, the drugs are what eventually killed Amy. Her transplanted heart was full healthy and working fine. This story didn’t touch on any of that.

[Andrew Neveils · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me by the author’s brother, with whom I worked for many years. Having seen a couple of family members go through some major medical/health issues, I finally picked up and read this book to read about the experience the author (and the great cast of real characters) went through. Community and communication were essential; community with others going through the same issues or having overcome those issues, and communication between the patient and caregiver along with the medical staff. I already had a positive opinion of the Mayo Clinic, but now there’s a deep respect for how they treat patients and caregivers.

I appreciate the realistic depiction of every story, with the author’s story the through line, but I do wish we could’ve heard more from the kids.

[Gerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intimate and personal story of the author's husband Capt Rib and his long battle with liver disease and ultimately a successful transplant. But it also includes the personal stories of other transplant recipients that the author and her husband met in a liver transplant support group at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. These recipients stories are compelling and helped prepare Capt Rob and his family for what was to come. A compelling read - both frightening and heartening.

[M.a. Gallerani · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look at the journey of organ transplant through the eyes of the spouse of a liver recipient. Many of us check organ donor on our drivers license, never thinking of the realities of that decision. For this author, the decision of a stranger was the the thing that saved her husband’s life. I’m turning every page in awe of the process and of the kindness of strangers.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a tug at your heartstrings, read with some Kleenex journey. It is so important for us to learn more about the different kinds of people and the challenges they face. Lezlee shares her personal journey as well as some others to help advocate for liver health organ donation, and overall kindness toward other people. I highly recommend!

[Patty Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The book is wonderful. Could not put it down. Wow how I related to everything. Thank you for writing the book. I didn't have a support group when I had my transplant. Your book helped and I told my husband he needs to read it.” I highly recommend this book.

[Earlene Schanze · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides a glimpse into the emotional and physical toll experienced by transplant recipients. The author expertly weaves the accounts of many families into a story that is hard to put down.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read & has a lot of good info!