An unforgettable and inspiring memoir of an extraordinary doctor who is saving lives in a most unconventional way.Ask Me Why I Hurt is the touching and revealing first-person account of the remarkable work of Dr. Randy Christensen. Trained as a pediatrician, he works not in a typical hospital setting but, rather, in a 38-foot Winnebago that has been refitted as a doctor’s office on wheels. His … office on wheels. His patients are the city’s homeless adolescents and children.
In the shadow of an affluent American city, Dr. Christensen has dedicated his life to caring for society’s throwaway kids—the often-abused, unloved children who live on the streets without access to proper health care, all the while fending off constant threats from thugs, gangs, pimps, and other predators. With the Winnebago as his moveable medical center, Christensen and his team travel around the outskirts of Phoenix, attending to the children and teens who need him most.
With tenderness and humor, Dr. Christensen chronicles everything from the struggles of the van’s early beginnings, to the support system it became for the kids, and the ultimate recognition it has achieved over the years. Along with his immense professional challenges, he also describes the trials and joys he faces while raising a growing family with his wife Amy. By turns poignant, heartbreaking, and charming, Dr. Christensen’s story is a gripping and rich memoir of his work and family, one of those rare books that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
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Christiansen’s memoir of creating a mobile healthcare service for homeless teenagers is both inspiring and heartbreaking. Dr. Christiansen gave up his hospital appointment to transform an old RV into a mobile clinic. He discovers that there is tremendous demand for his services, and that America’s homeless teenagers face multiple and complicated …
True story of a doctor who works with street children. It rang true as I work with foster teens. It was nice to hear about challenges like my own.
Brings to the forefront all the tragic lives so many of our children are living today in a country that gives so much of our resources to other countries while our people suffer.
This book opened my eyes to issues I knew nothing about. Everyone should be aware of these issues.
heart warming
Uplifting true story of how a few good people can make significant difference in others lives.
You may feel inspired to try a little harder, reach a little farther to help those around you. Learn about the plight of homeless, abandoned children in our midst, and the efforts and successes of the few who care for them.
So informative. I live in Phoenix and had no idea how many homeless children there are here – and in other cities, I’m sure. It is beyond my understanding how this can be happening in this rich country.
After I started reading, I realized I’d read it before but kept right on. It was well worth the second reading.
I Ioved how this book exposed me to a population, i.e. homeless children, that I knew little about. The passion of the medical staff on the van was inspirational.
The plight of homeless teens- discarded by their families, or abused, or victimized by stepparents- is addressed by a dedicated medical crew. The book offers hope while showing there are no easy fixes, especially when most of society looks the other way
What an inspirational read about what one person with passion for his profession and love of others can accomplish.
Really good book that portrays the tragic situation homeless teens are in.
So wonderful to read about a doctor who is out on the street helping the homeless children.
A stunning indictment of how we treat “throw-away kids.”
An illuminating story about homeless children in Arizona. Their stories will break your heart, but their resiliency will mend it, as will the dedicated doctors and nurses that made it their life’s work to help them. It is also a story about finding your passion in life and going outside of your comfort zone to do it. I was truly moved by this book.
Beautifully written and very realistic. The tragic truth of so many “thrown-away” children in our world. Heartbreaking but necessary. Thank you Dr. Christensen. Only question I have: why do you blame the whole government? Homeless children couldn’t get insurance? … illegals can. They just walk in and say they’re illegal and speak a foreign …
A well written story of remarkable individuals. The sense of caring and love of their fellow man as told by a doctor and his experiences in medicine for the poor and downtrodden.
A great audible book
I loved this book it was emotional and inspiring without being sappy or maudlin
Inspirational