The Match: Savior Siblings and One Family's Battle to Heal Their Daughter

by Beth Whitehouse

My Sister’s Keeper in a family’s real-life struggle to cure their daughter by creating her genetic match
 
Katie Trebing was diagnosed at three months old with Diamond Blackfan anemia, a rare form of anemia that prevents bone marrow from producing red blood cells. Even with a lifetime of monthly blood transfusions, she faced a poor prognosis. Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Beth Whitehouse follows the Trebings as they make the decision to create a genetically matched sibling using preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and in vitro fertilization, and proceed with a risky bone-marrow transplant that could kill their daughter rather than save her. The Match is a timely and provocative look at urgent issues that can only become more complex and pressing as genetic and reproductive technologies advance.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Science

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2010

Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Newborn Katie Trebing, born with a rare form of anemia, called Diamond Blackfan anemia, would struggle with procedures, doctors, and treatments for all her life...that is until her parents, Stacy and Steve decided to conceive a Savior Sibling to donate bone marrow to her. He was also a child conceived because Stacy and Steve truly wanted him as the completion of their family, yet they knew he had a hero's job to do. What follows is a story full of hope, joy, stress, and sorrow.

One cannot fathom the questions and struggles these parents went through to give their daughter the best chance for a normal life. One cannot possibly step into their shoes and know what their fear was doing to every member of the family, yet The Trebing's remained dedicated to their family, and armed themselves with the medical knowledge needed to save their daughter.

It is certain that this memoir gives hope and faith to other families struggling with life-threatening medical issues. Ethics aside, it is a story of unconditional love, parental devotion, and strength in the face of adversity. The Match: "Savior Siblings" and One Family's Battle to Heal Their Daughter is written with compassion and honesty while educating readers about the family issues and struggles during this most trying of times.

Thank you to LibraryThing, Beth Whitehouse, Beacon Press, and Alyssa Hassan for this copy of this compelling book.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Match: "Savior Siblings" and One Family's Battle to Heal their Daughter by Beth Whitehouse is definitely not a book for everyone. It is also not an easy, fluffy, beach read. However, that did not stop me from devouring it in three days. If you have an interest in the field of genetic testing and manipulation, and the ethics of that field, this book is a must read.

"The Match" chronicles the Trebing family's quest to conceive and give birth to a genetic match for their daughter, Katie, who was born with a rare form of anemia. The family faces heart wrenching decisions along the way as they fight to do what is best for their family.

Also included in the book is a lot (perhaps a bit too much) background information on the field of genetics. Ethicists also weigh in with their opinions, both for and against the procedures in question.

All in all, this book is extremely well written and well rounded. It provides balanced coverage of both sides of a hot button topic, while keeping the family at the forefront.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 2006, 4 year old Katie Trebing received a bone marrow transplant that would hopefully allow her to live a long and full life. The donor was her younger brother, Christopher, an exact genetic match to Katie and who was conceived by the Trebings for the express purpose of saving his sister's life. Beth Whtehouse, a Pulitzer-winning journalist followed the Trebings through the grueling process and tells the story impartially and with compassion.
Whitehouse allows the reader inside the minds and hearts of Stacy and Steve Trebing as they wrestle with this monumental decision. She explains the complex scientific, medical, and ethical issues at stake in layman's terms.
Although this is a work of non-fiction, it reads like a novel. It is a fascinating look at a highly controversial topic.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stacy and Steve Trebing's second child, Katie, was born with a rare blood disorder, Diamond Blackfan anemia, which prevents the production of red blood cells. Little Katie had to have blood transfusions as often as once a month. The only known cure was a bone marrow transplant. When the Trebings decided to have a third child, they decided to have in vitro fertilization and preimplantation genetic testing so that the new baby would be a match for a bone marrow transplant for Katie. Although I do have some ethical questions about these procedures, I did admire the determination the Trebings had to follow this through and do what they needed to do for their family. The author wrote a well researched book that I enjoyed reading.

[Dara S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

You might think this book would be dry. It was very readable and the author explained some of the medical procedures in an easy to understand manner. She does get into the ethics of having a child to save a child. It was very interesting and informative and luckily it turned out to be a happy ending for the Trebling family.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong recommendation from Linda.

Wow! It's Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper only nonfiction. The main message I found was not to judge another family's decisions. You're not walking in their shoes!!!!

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this prior to inviting the author to participate in next year's Tucson Festival of Books Science Pavilion. It's quite a story - and one that definitely made me appreciate my terrific fortune in having healthy kids.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read My Sister's Keeper, this is a real life case of savior siblings. Fascinating discussion of the technology, ethics, and real life implications of having a sibling to save a child.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. Good mix of medical information and personal story.