In August 2002 Dani Shotel was a healthy twenty-six-year-old young woman with an almost perfect life. She had a gratifying job as a special-needs teacher in an elementary school, many friends, a loving family, and a fiancé, Scott Greene, whom she was soon to marry. One month later she was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), and from that moment, her world turned upside down.

 

In this inspirational and informative book, Dani’s parents, Jay and Sue Shotel, vividly convey the strength and courage their daughter displayed in her battle with AML as they recount her unforgettable journey to recovery. The Shotels provide a wealth of information about leukemia, about the role each family member played in supporting Dani, about the anguished quest for medical answers, the myriad decisions a family must make amid the medical maze, the value of love and friendship, and the generosity of the young German citizen, Tom, who donated the marrow that saved Dani’s life. In this practical guide for others who must fight cancer, the Shotels discuss the importance of medical coverage, of being a self-advocate, of asking questions and educating oneself about the disease, of drawing strength and energy from  and showing appreciation to those involved in the wellness process.

 

Listen to an interview with the authors.