Hannah's Choice

by Kirsty Jones, Hannah Jones

The moving and inspirational true story of one little girl's battle against the medical odds and a mother's unwavering love for her daughter. 'If I could have any wish it wouldn't be a part in High School Musical. I'd like to live just one day without having to rest when my heart gets tired: I'd just waste my energy, doing stuff with friends. But I can't and feeling unhappy about it is a waste of time. Being happy gives me energy - so much so that sometimes I want to do a cartwheel even though I can't actually manage it. My decision wasn't about dying. It's about living.' When her daughter Hannah was only four years old, Kirsty Jones received the news that no mother ever wants to hear. Her little girl had leukaemia. But Kirsty knew that Hannah was a fighter, and after gruelling chemotheraphy she beat the disease. But there was more trauma to come: the chemotherapy drugs had damaged Hannah's heart. At first, doctors hoped that Hannah's body would compensate for the damaged muscle, but when Hannah was only twelve her heart failed without warning. As her life hung in the balance, Doctors advised that Hannah's only chance of survival was a heart transplant, but the operation was very risky and the anti-rejection drugs might bring back the leukaemia. Kirsty knew one thing: Hannah deserved to decide her own destiny. Wise beyond her years after learning to cope with so much, Hannah made her choice: she did not want the transplant. She'd had enough of hospitals and wanted to be at home with her family. Then in July 2009, the right side of Hannah’s heart completely stopped working and her kidneys started to fail. Days later Hannah celebrated her 14th birthday – a milestone she was never expected to reach – and Hannah was ready to make a different choice. She agreed to have the transplant. Now Kirsty and Hannah tell their unique story and, with wit and honesty, their interweaving voices describe how facing and overcoming death has taught them so much about living. Filled with wisdom and grace, tears and laughter, Hannah's Choice is about beating the odds and finding joy in each day.

336 pages, Paperback

First published March 18, 2010

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning do not read this in public! Parts of this book had me in tears it is heartbreaking at times but it has left me full of admiration for a child’s spirit and a mother’s dedication and respect to that child.

[Sarah]

Have a box of tissues at the ready.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember hearing about this girl on the news. When she was little she had leukemia and the chemotherapy she had damaged her heart function. Suffering from heart failure she made the decision that she'd had enough of always being in hospital and refused the chance to have a life saving heart transplant. She'd had the risks and benefits explained to her and maintained that she did not want to go through a heart transplant- that she wasn't prepared to take the anti rejection drugs for the rest of her life

This book was written by both Hannah and her mum- so you had the medical/technical information aswell as Hannah's thoughts about dealing with long term ill health whilst wanting to lead a normal childhood, wanting to be in her own bed instead of spending yet another birthday either in hospital or too poorly to get out of bed.

You could understand her reasoning- but also empathise with her parents who must have wanted to go for everything to help her. They respected that she was capable of making those decisions about her own life and no one else really had the right to tell her that she had to go through more operations and spend more time in hospital.

It gave you an insight into just how hard it is to deal with a very poorly child- the effect that it has on the entire family. It also told about some of the wonderful people who work to provide very special moments to brighten the life a little when they can.

There was a lot to think about whilst reading their journey.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roller coaster of emotions depicting the story of Hannah who at a young age was diagnosed with Leukaemia and how chemotherapy caused her heart to fail. Having survived cancer she now has to face life with a failing heart and drugs to keep her alive, after many years of this and a proposed transplant Hannah decides to call it a day but later changes her mind .
I can remember this on the news and while being sad I was amazed at that young girl's bravery at the time with the choice she made. as she says " So you see my decision to say no to the transplant wasn't about dying. It's about living".
Well written story with chapters from both Hannah and her mum Kirsty. My heart broke along the way reading Kirsty's recall of events, that woman deserves every good thing that will come her way in life.

[Hazel McHaffie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tells the true story of Hannah Jones who hit the headlines in 2008 when she decided she didn't want a heart transplant; she wanted to go home and enjoy the rest of her days with her parents and siblings. She was only thirteen years old and there was a furore over the rights of children to make such important choices. However, Hannah knew all about pain and hospitals and impossible choices. She developed leukaemia at the age of four and had spent much of her life in hospital and having unpleasant treatments. This book tells what really happened through the words of mother and daughter and is a powerful testimony which challenges the reader to ask, what would I have done in this circumstance? Not for the faint hearted!

[Aliyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

When i read this book, I was amazed by the journey Hannah went through. She was a very strong and brightful girl. She learned how to live her life at such a young age, and did things that people thought she couldn't even do. I could feel every single emotion reading this book. Chapter by chapter emotions are going all over your head. I'm happy that i got to find an inspiring book like this.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come take a glimpse into the amazing journey of Hannah. Hannah was diagnosed with leukemia as a young child. The chemotherapy damaged her heart. This is her journey with heart failure and her decision no tot have a transplant. The courage the family showed to support her in her decision is amazing. Come meet Hannah and see her journey.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. In no doubt the family have been through unbelievable highs and lows but it is hard to get that across. It was interesting to see the story behind the headlines though. The constant change in narrator was off putting at times.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so well written. Hard to read in parts, but I liked the fact that you get views, thoughts and feelings from both mother and daughter. You understand why Kirsty let Hannah make choices for herself, and why Hannah decided what she did. Highly recommended.

[Niki Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a very brave girl, very moving insightful story.

[Hilde Vee · Rating 5 out of 5]

hartverscheurend, zonder te sentimenteel te worden. Mooi boek!

[adawiyahreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm crying!

[Nimanthika Hettiarachchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true story of love, determination and struggle that kept me riveted with it's rawness, strength and the lesson to appreciate the current moment in life.

[Lynne Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enspiring

I am in awe of the bravery of Hannah but most of all her mum and dad who allowed her to make her own choices.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly inspirational

Fantastic account of a mother's love for her ill daughter. That children, even when desperately ill are there own person and that should be respected.

[Amy Hutchinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so interesting yo have the viewpoint of Hannah herself regarding her health care. However I felt this book could have packed more of a punch. Overall a very informative read

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! Hard to put down!

[Billy Forbes]

one of the most emotional books I've read

[Catherine Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a read. Thoroughly recommend!!

[Yentl Eerdekens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kippenvel kreeg ik van dit boek.

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

i gave up on this one just wasnt into it