LOS ANGELES TIMES AND PUBLISHERS WEEKLY BESTSELLER • The powerful memoir of a young doctor and former college athlete diagnosed with a rare disease who spearheaded the search for a cure—and became a champion for a new approach to medical research.“A wonderful and moving chronicle of a doctor’s relentless pursuit, this book serves both patients and physicians in demystifying the science that lies … demystifying the science that lies behind medicine.”—Siddhartha Mukherjee, New York Times bestselling author of The Emperor of All Maladies and The Gene
David Fajgenbaum, a former Georgetown quarterback, was nicknamed the Beast in medical school, where he was also known for his unmatched mental stamina. But things changed dramatically when he began suffering from inexplicable fatigue. In a matter of weeks, his organs were failing and he was read his last rites. Doctors were baffled by his condition, which they had yet to even diagnose. Floating in and out of consciousness, Fajgenbaum prayed for a second chance, the equivalent of a dramatic play to second the game into overtime.
Miraculously, Fajgenbaum survived—only to endure repeated near-death relapses from what would eventually be identified as a form of Castleman disease, an extremely deadly and rare condition that acts like a cross between cancer and an autoimmune disorder. When he relapsed while on the only drug in development and realized that the medical community was unlikely to make progress in time to save his life, Fajgenbaum turned his desperate hope for a cure into concrete action: Between hospitalizations he studied his own charts and tested his own blood samples, looking for clues that could unlock a new treatment. With the help of family, friends, and mentors, he also reached out to other Castleman disease patients and physicians, and eventually came up with an ambitious plan to crowdsource the most promising research questions and recruit world-class researchers to tackle them. Instead of waiting for the scientific stars to align, he would attempt to align them himself.
More than five years later and now married to his college sweetheart, Fajgenbaum has seen his hard work pay off: A treatment he identified has induced a tentative remission and his novel approach to collaborative scientific inquiry has become a blueprint for advancing rare disease research. His incredible story demonstrates the potency of hope, and what can happen when the forces of determination, love, family, faith, and serendipity collide.
Praise for Chasing My Cure
“A page-turning chronicle of living, nearly dying, and discovering what it really means to be invincible in hope.”—Angela Duckworth, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Grit
“[A] remarkable memoir . . . Fajgenbaum writes lucidly and movingly . . . Fajgenbaum’s stirring account of his illness will inspire readers.”—Publishers Weekly
more
First, I would like to thank David Fajgenbaum, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for providing me this book so I may bring you this review.
Chasing my Cure A Doctor’s Race To Turn Hope Into Action’s author David Fajgenbaum is a must read book if you like Medical Memoirs like I do. David Fajgenbaum is the bravest man I know to open up his heart and tell his story the way that he did. He is also the strongest men I know who didn’t give up on finding a cure for his mysterious disease. At times it seemed so frustrating and I wanted to just give him a hug.
He would like to dedicate this book to his mom, dad, sisters, and Caitlin and Amelia. They taught him how to live, supported him when he was dying and inspired me to chase cures for my disease and others. He loves you.
One big lesson you walk away with in this is that family is extremely important. His family was amazing each and every one. I loved reading about the bond he had with his Mom and how they were so close. My heart ached when she passed. But I think she was with him as a guardian angel looking over him during all the bad times.
Caitlin in my eyes is a saint with a beautiful heart of gold. Her role in this story is amazing. David is blessed to have her in his life!
For me I loved this book because I think medicine is fascinating. I wouldn’t wish anyone go through what David went through or what he has. However, I found this book fascinating. He educated his readers on the disease and the line of treatment that he was receiving.
There was a part in the book that made me laugh. He was delivering a baby his first baby and he kept thinking don’t drop it, Dave. Don’t drop it. Dave. Don’t drop it Dave. I always wondered if Doctors thought that way.
This was an emotional read. It was interesting as you journey with the author as he discovers and deals with this rare disease. The writing style did not appeal to me. But the story itself was what interested me. The effort the author puts into learning more about Castleman’s Disease demonstrates his tenacity and extreme intelligence.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
An extraordinary memoir… It belongs with Atul Gawande’s writings and When Breath Becomes Air.
A page-turning chronicle of living, nearly dying, and discovering what it really means to be invincible in hope.
This is a fascinating true-life story of a young doctor, stricken with a rare, life-threatening disease, who takes matters into his own hands and, with total focus, finds a cure… An informative and inspiring read.
Chasing My Cure is a medical thriller that grapples with penultimate stakes — real love, bedrock faith, and how we spend our time on earth. Fast-paced and achingly transparent, David Fajgenbaum’s deeply thoughtful memoir will have you rethinking your life’s priorities.
Inspiring story about a doctor who becomes his own patient in a battle against an obscure disease. Ultimately, a story about hope, family, and thinking outside the box. A must read (and a quick read because it’s so gripping!).