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How Have I Cheated Death? A Short and Merry Life with Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the UK's most common life-threatening diseases, affecting over 10,000 people. Each week, five babies are born with the condition; however, each week, three young lives are also lost to it. Currently, there's no cure.
Not all that long ago, the diagnosis of CF meant an early death. Tim Wotton is one such sufferer, who was told from an early age that he would not live beyond his 17th birthday - then his 30th, and now his 40th and beyond. One of the oldest survivors of this crippling disease, How Have I Cheated Death? is a diary of his 39th year, a countdown to the illusive 40.
A story of triumph over adversity, this compelling chronicle, the first book written by a CF sufferer at 40, demonstrates what cannot be cured needs to be endured. It is also a record of everyday life for someone battling CF, from medical issues to social stigmas and the juggle of managing a normal family life.
Written with great honesty, clarity and humour, this remarkable account is a testament to the daily dedication required to deal with a long-term illness and the strength of familial bonds, from a man who has done much for the global CF community with his ongoing candid blog, Postcards from Earth.
Complimented by an enlightening Foreword by the British actress, Jenny Agutter, this profound book offers hope and inspiration that even at your lowest ebb, with the odds heavily stacked against you, that there is usually a way to overcome...
Not all that long ago, the diagnosis of CF meant an early death. Tim Wotton is one such sufferer, who was told from an early age that he would not live beyond his 17th birthday - then his 30th, and now his 40th and beyond. One of the oldest survivors of this crippling disease, How Have I Cheated Death? is a diary of his 39th year, a countdown to the illusive 40.
A story of triumph over adversity, this compelling chronicle, the first book written by a CF sufferer at 40, demonstrates what cannot be cured needs to be endured. It is also a record of everyday life for someone battling CF, from medical issues to social stigmas and the juggle of managing a normal family life.
Written with great honesty, clarity and humour, this remarkable account is a testament to the daily dedication required to deal with a long-term illness and the strength of familial bonds, from a man who has done much for the global CF community with his ongoing candid blog, Postcards from Earth.
Complimented by an enlightening Foreword by the British actress, Jenny Agutter, this profound book offers hope and inspiration that even at your lowest ebb, with the odds heavily stacked against you, that there is usually a way to overcome...
- GenresNonfictionBiography
270 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 3, 2016
Tim Wotton in the run up to his fortieth birthday gives an honest and at times humorous account of what life is like living with Cystic Fibrosis. Tim is one of the oldest survivors of the disease and is an inspiration to all. We can all take something from this book that will educate and inspire us... whatever we do... Life is what we make it and Tim has certainly made it. Tim was told he would not make it to his seventeenth birthday, so with his fortieth birthday in sight he decides to write down his thoughts and the book takes us in diary form through his thirty-ninth year, through to the milestone birthday.
I learnt so much from this book, not only about Cystic Fibrosis, but about courage and determination and that a positive outlook to life can make a huge difference. The book is great for raising Cystic Fibrosis awareness. All who have or know someone with the condition will get some helpful insights and useful information from reading this book. The book will also be helpful to anyone facing challenges in their own life. It is always much easier I find to talk and learn from people who are going through the experience than get bogged down by all the medical jargon. I thank Tim Wotton for opening my eyes and making me more aware to a medical condition, I knew very little about.
I learnt so much from this book, not only about Cystic Fibrosis, but about courage and determination and that a positive outlook to life can make a huge difference. The book is great for raising Cystic Fibrosis awareness. All who have or know someone with the condition will get some helpful insights and useful information from reading this book. The book will also be helpful to anyone facing challenges in their own life. It is always much easier I find to talk and learn from people who are going through the experience than get bogged down by all the medical jargon. I thank Tim Wotton for opening my eyes and making me more aware to a medical condition, I knew very little about.
February 16, 2019
Emotional and real
As the mother of a CF child who almost made it to her ninth birthday, Tim’s story was overwhelming and emotional. On one hand, I had to read his story in stages because my throat was too clogged to think and my eyes too blurry. On the other hand, I almost felt guilty as I thought about all the angst, pain, suffering and mental struggles that my Chrissy did not have to live through like the sad times in between the pages of Tim’s life. I am thrilled with the idea that God has pushed Tim further along in his blessed life with Katie and little Felix. The struggle is real and Tim’s strong character is fabulous. I am so glad that Julie on We Love Memoirs suggested that I read this book. It was educational and illuminating and I applaud Tim’s courage and candor.
As the mother of a CF child who almost made it to her ninth birthday, Tim’s story was overwhelming and emotional. On one hand, I had to read his story in stages because my throat was too clogged to think and my eyes too blurry. On the other hand, I almost felt guilty as I thought about all the angst, pain, suffering and mental struggles that my Chrissy did not have to live through like the sad times in between the pages of Tim’s life. I am thrilled with the idea that God has pushed Tim further along in his blessed life with Katie and little Felix. The struggle is real and Tim’s strong character is fabulous. I am so glad that Julie on We Love Memoirs suggested that I read this book. It was educational and illuminating and I applaud Tim’s courage and candor.
May 20, 2017
A brilliant diary written by a guy with C.F. who is reaching his 40th. My husband is a sufferer of C.F. and is reaching his 40th this year.
Gave me a better understanding of the illness and taught me that when hubby having a down day to encourage him to manage C.F. and not let it manage him.
Gave me a better understanding of the illness and taught me that when hubby having a down day to encourage him to manage C.F. and not let it manage him.
October 2, 2020
My partner has CF and is reaching 35 this year so I found this book a real eye opener. It allowed me to better understand how he copes with it, mentally and physically and has let us talk about CF in a new light. It's an inspiring book that can reach out to so many people.
October 27, 2016
A thoroughly authentic and sincere account of what living with CF truly means.
Tim has a wonderful way of articulating and sharing with us his life's journey.
Tim has a wonderful way of articulating and sharing with us his life's journey.
April 26, 2021
An inside view of what it means to live with CF.
August 21, 2014
Great read, heartwarming and motivational
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews