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Will to Live
his is a remarkable story. It will change the way you look at life.
For a couple of weeks, Matthew Ames didn't feel well. The busy father of four young children knew things were not quite right but suddenly he was in Emergency, with a severe case of toxic shock syndrome – the common bacteria Strep A had entered his bloodstream and his body had gone into shutdown. He was put into an induced coma and the only way he could be kept alive was to have all his limbs amputated.
Diane Ames knew exactly what her husband would want and that he would cope – he had always been optimistic and practical. Despite a one per cent chance of survival, she asked the doctors to go ahead with the radical operation. And so began the inspiring story of an ordinary family's
courage and determination to make the most of a terrible situation.
What happened to Matthew could happen to anyone. But not everyone would accept what life offers and pursue possibilities in the way that he does. Matthew has astounded doctors with his recovery and adaptation to a new way of living. And he has never once questioned Diane's decision – it gave him the chance to truly understand how much family matters and to appreciate humanity.
For a couple of weeks, Matthew Ames didn't feel well. The busy father of four young children knew things were not quite right but suddenly he was in Emergency, with a severe case of toxic shock syndrome – the common bacteria Strep A had entered his bloodstream and his body had gone into shutdown. He was put into an induced coma and the only way he could be kept alive was to have all his limbs amputated.
Diane Ames knew exactly what her husband would want and that he would cope – he had always been optimistic and practical. Despite a one per cent chance of survival, she asked the doctors to go ahead with the radical operation. And so began the inspiring story of an ordinary family's
courage and determination to make the most of a terrible situation.
What happened to Matthew could happen to anyone. But not everyone would accept what life offers and pursue possibilities in the way that he does. Matthew has astounded doctors with his recovery and adaptation to a new way of living. And he has never once questioned Diane's decision – it gave him the chance to truly understand how much family matters and to appreciate humanity.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2014
14 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Ames
2 books1 followerPrior to becoming a quadruple amputee, Matthew Ames was an executive in the energy and resources sector, an industry in which he worked for almost 20 years as an environmental engineer and safety professional. His most recent position was Group Manager, Health Safety & Environment at Origin Energy. Much of Matthew's time is currently spent focusing on rehabilitation and maximising what he can do. He shares his story in the hope that it inspires positive attitudes towards adversity and disability. Matthew was a Queensland state finalist in the 2013 Australian Father of the Year awards, and the recipient of the 2013 Queensland Pride of Australia (Courage) Award. He is actively engaged in all aspects of family life with four children. Matthew and his wife, Diane, are determined to grow old together.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 5, 2014
My son attended Kindergarten with Diane's son, and she really is a beautiful and sunny soul. A very rare and special woman. This book is extremely inspiring but I also found it incredibly challenging. It is human nature to relate events to your own life - what would I do?, how would I cope?, would I have such loyal friends? I felt self absorbed engaging in this sort of self analysis, and I found that looking deep within, I knew I would come out lacking in this situation. I found that sense of inadequacy lingered through my reading of the book until I spent time reflecting on what determines how we deal with a traumatic situation. I believe it is innate personality traits as well as conscious mental strength. I don't think there is any wrong or right way, but Matthew and Diane made a choice not to take the broad path of bitterness. It is inspiring. At the same time, I don't think there is any failure if at some point one or the other suffer from PTSD or something similar. Those are also physical traits that can sometimes be part of a genetic lottery. I also came to the conclusion that you don't know how you would react until you are in that particular situation. Theorising is only that.
I would have liked to know more about sepsis and toxic shock and perhaps a summary of the signs to increase education. Matthew touched on it at one point when he referred to it being more common than realised. It is greatly concerning that some members of the medical profession appears uneducated in this particular area.
I enjoyed the sense of humour woven through the book. I did laugh at the shark attack, vasectomy, and Sherlock comments - you will have to read the book to find out more! I also took particular note of Matthew's order of priorities and how it had changed to be husband not father first and foremost. A very insightful comment on life's priorities and I know myself how wife often slides down the list from mother.
An inspiring book that is testament to the strength of family, friends, community, and home cooked meals. I am sure we will hear more from Matthew and his journey.
I would have liked to know more about sepsis and toxic shock and perhaps a summary of the signs to increase education. Matthew touched on it at one point when he referred to it being more common than realised. It is greatly concerning that some members of the medical profession appears uneducated in this particular area.
I enjoyed the sense of humour woven through the book. I did laugh at the shark attack, vasectomy, and Sherlock comments - you will have to read the book to find out more! I also took particular note of Matthew's order of priorities and how it had changed to be husband not father first and foremost. A very insightful comment on life's priorities and I know myself how wife often slides down the list from mother.
An inspiring book that is testament to the strength of family, friends, community, and home cooked meals. I am sure we will hear more from Matthew and his journey.
February 6, 2019
I heard Matthew Ames, a quadruple-amputee who lives in Brisbane, speak at a conference about a year ago (he’s an amazing speaker!) and when I found he’d written a book, I knew I wanted to read it. I had a family member who had a similar ICU experience to Matthew, with a seemingly mild illness where dehydration was the main danger, ramping up to a full-blown case of septicaemia raging through her body and a battle for her life, however unlike Matthew, she didn’t lose any limbs. But it was interesting to read Diane’s account of Matthew’s experience and see the parallels, and to be reminded just of how precious life is and how it can turn in a flash, and as a reminder of how special the intensive care staff at our hospitals are. And the rehabilitation staff - it was amazing to read Matthew’s story of his journey to recovery and to getting discharged, how he took everything in his stride and worked with the allied health staff to find ways to regain his independence.
It was also interesting to read Mathew’s account of how his kids still expected him to do physical things that he was doing before the accident - and how he very often realised he still could do certain activities that seemed unlikely but were possible with a bit of planning or some alterations.
And it’s amazing to see how work in prosthetics is continually growing to give people without arms and legs more options than were previously possible.
It was also interesting to read Mathew’s account of how his kids still expected him to do physical things that he was doing before the accident - and how he very often realised he still could do certain activities that seemed unlikely but were possible with a bit of planning or some alterations.
And it’s amazing to see how work in prosthetics is continually growing to give people without arms and legs more options than were previously possible.
January 13, 2019
Very inspirational. Matthew's story helps one to see things in proper perspective. It's an easy read even with all the medical terms. It's also very encouraging... thank you for sharing your story...told with such grace and humour, it had me laughing out loud and crying at the same time.
April 5, 2015
I live in the same city as Matthew, and I'm within the same generation. I've seen him and his family out at restaurants and parks in recent years. He actually came to speak at the university I work at, about resilience, specifically, and his amazing story in general. What struck me most when hearing him speak, and also reading his and Diane's writing, is how incredibly NORMAL these two seem. Well, incredibly strong of course, but also just so damn normal...if not like myself (I'm pretty weird, and have lived a life to reflect that) then very much like some of my dearest friends...professional people with young families who settled down early into suburbia.
Normal people, yet exceptional people.
What happened to Matthew and his family was unfair, impossible to rationalise and utterly devastating. The way he, his family (particularly Diane) and his extended community have dealt with it is utterly inspiring. The phenomenal attitude and support that got Matthew and Diane through that first year and documented here in a matter-of-fact, straight-talking, simple prose. Sometimes the book reads a bit like a grocery list of people to thank, but I get why that is. Mostly the book is a story about waking up with no limbs and trying to reattain a normal life. There is a lot of the "Well, what choice do I have? Get on with it!" Aussie spirit here, as opposed to the "woe-is-me" approach that would be so easy to succumb to, and understandable.
It's not harped on it this book, but one of the things that struck me was how incredibly important Matthew's support network was (and still is) to his rehabilitation. A HUGE network of old friends, new friends, close
family, ex-colleagues, school parents, community groups. An amazing amount of good fortune to have that amount of support...but it also speaks to the type of people Matthew and Diane are. And it's key to what are the most joyous parts of this book are...pure, honest interaction with other people.
Especially Matthew and Diane's kids. Geez what a lucky family. With an amazing perspective.
NB: I started read most of this book in late 2014. I put in down in January 2015 for obvious reasons. Polished it off in April.
Normal people, yet exceptional people.
What happened to Matthew and his family was unfair, impossible to rationalise and utterly devastating. The way he, his family (particularly Diane) and his extended community have dealt with it is utterly inspiring. The phenomenal attitude and support that got Matthew and Diane through that first year and documented here in a matter-of-fact, straight-talking, simple prose. Sometimes the book reads a bit like a grocery list of people to thank, but I get why that is. Mostly the book is a story about waking up with no limbs and trying to reattain a normal life. There is a lot of the "Well, what choice do I have? Get on with it!" Aussie spirit here, as opposed to the "woe-is-me" approach that would be so easy to succumb to, and understandable.
It's not harped on it this book, but one of the things that struck me was how incredibly important Matthew's support network was (and still is) to his rehabilitation. A HUGE network of old friends, new friends, close
family, ex-colleagues, school parents, community groups. An amazing amount of good fortune to have that amount of support...but it also speaks to the type of people Matthew and Diane are. And it's key to what are the most joyous parts of this book are...pure, honest interaction with other people.
Especially Matthew and Diane's kids. Geez what a lucky family. With an amazing perspective.
NB: I started read most of this book in late 2014. I put in down in January 2015 for obvious reasons. Polished it off in April.
January 4, 2015
As a speaker and trainer who regularly run courses on Resilience, it is so inspiring to read about a truly remarkable individual and his wife and family who models courage, faith, optimism and the pragmatism - all traits of those remarkably resilient. This is written with such honesty and love - it moved me deeply and I shall recommend this book to everyone I feel could do with a dose of positivity and inspiration in their lives. I'd even go so far as to recommend this as part of our secondary school learning curriculum.
January 4, 2015
Amazing story! Matthew and Dianne Ames write well of their story, the extraordinary circumstances life can deal you and how they faced their new challenges. Inspirational and reminds you that you never know what is around the corner.
April 1, 2019
An inspiring book about a courageous Aussie family
July 27, 2017
There is no doubt that there was a story to tell but this book was just not all that well written. I guess that's what you get when two engineers put pen to paper.
The first part of the book is by Matthew's wife and the rest by Matthew himself. I found his section more interesting, as he spoke on how he managed on a practical level, what challenges he was up against, plus the state of his mental health. I found his wife's narrative hard to follow at times and full of detail that didn't seem vital to story, and often got confusing and distracting. Specifically, when her husband was finally getting seen to in hospital and his life was on the line, she was giving details on who was picking up which child and looking after them etc. Considering they have four children, this was quite a lot of detail, when the readership was more interested in what was happening to Matthew.
Perhaps the book should have been told from the third person by a professional writer after extensive interviews with all involved.
The first part of the book is by Matthew's wife and the rest by Matthew himself. I found his section more interesting, as he spoke on how he managed on a practical level, what challenges he was up against, plus the state of his mental health. I found his wife's narrative hard to follow at times and full of detail that didn't seem vital to story, and often got confusing and distracting. Specifically, when her husband was finally getting seen to in hospital and his life was on the line, she was giving details on who was picking up which child and looking after them etc. Considering they have four children, this was quite a lot of detail, when the readership was more interested in what was happening to Matthew.
Perhaps the book should have been told from the third person by a professional writer after extensive interviews with all involved.
January 23, 2021
I’m glad that I read this book. Because my granddaughter became ill with sepsis at 21 months and was so ill that we expected her to die, my family have become advocates for raising awareness of sepsis. She survived but lost a leg. In the early chapters of the book, Matthew’s wife described the same frustration with how numerous doctors misdiagnosed his condition...this happened to us. My anger is still raw which surprised me, and I had to stop reading the book for a number of weeks. But go back to it, I did. And I’m glad. Our granddaughter will never have to endure what Matthew and his family did and still do, and he is an inspiration.
May 29, 2018
What a truly inspirational story of a family coping with the near death experience of Matthew suffering from sepsis and the ultimate amputation of his four limbs to save his life. The love of family and the strength of that love prevails to shine a beacon of light for all of us to follow. A true reminder of what it constitutes to lead a good life despite all that is thrown at us. You should read this book to understand that message fully.
February 10, 2022
Apart from the very odd time when the timeline jumped about randomly, this was a really lovely and well put together book from a couple who clearly never expected to have anything happen in their life that was book worthy.
All that said, I do also wish it was written from further away from the main events of Matthews near-death brush with Strep, because DUDE, I want to know what life was like further out from the events.
All that said, I do also wish it was written from further away from the main events of Matthews near-death brush with Strep, because DUDE, I want to know what life was like further out from the events.
March 25, 2018
Inspirational
As tough as this was to read considering what Matthew went through, I enjoyed it. I didn't realize what could happen if strep goes undiagnosed. The relationships he had with his family are beautiful. What a great read.
As tough as this was to read considering what Matthew went through, I enjoyed it. I didn't realize what could happen if strep goes undiagnosed. The relationships he had with his family are beautiful. What a great read.
May 2, 2020
I recon a 3.6 April. I found it interesting to read as I don’t know much about amputee legs/arms, etc
September 7, 2014
Matthew and Diane Ames are living a normal suburban life in Brisbane. Having met at university as engineering students, they are one of those rare couples whose marriage is still solid after more than a decade together (and four children). Known as a happy and very positive person, Matthew is not unduly worried when he begins suffering flu symptoms back in 2012. Still well enough to go to work, he does visit the doctor but is told it is nothing too serious. However as the days go by, he is starting to feel worse. So much so that he visits a hospital emergency department, where he is once again sent home. Then things go downhill fast and on his next hospital admission doctors finally realise Matthew is seriously ill.
Within a few hours Matthew is fighting for his life. Diagnosed with toxic shock due to a massive infection in his body he is placed in ICU doctors inform his family that he is close to death. It is at this point that Diane is asked to make the most difficult decision imaginable. Doctors believe Matthew has a tiny chance of survival if they amputate all four of his limbs. Faced with the loss of her her best friend and the father of her children Diane gives her consent.
Matthew eventually recovers from the infection but must now face a whole new host of challenges as a quadruple amputee. Due to the fact his remaining stumps are so small there are no guarantees that he will ever be able to use prosthetic limbs. Yet throughout this almost unimaginable ordeal Matthew remains positive and upbeat, happy to be alive and there for his family.
This is the ultimate against all odds story. Matthew and Diane have worked their way through this unbelievable stroke of bad luck and remained intact as a couple and a family. They have not sugar coated how difficult it has been, but have never allowed themselves to be defeated by the challenges faced along the way. You cannot help but be inspired by their love and the power of positive thinking and looking forwards and not back.
Within a few hours Matthew is fighting for his life. Diagnosed with toxic shock due to a massive infection in his body he is placed in ICU doctors inform his family that he is close to death. It is at this point that Diane is asked to make the most difficult decision imaginable. Doctors believe Matthew has a tiny chance of survival if they amputate all four of his limbs. Faced with the loss of her her best friend and the father of her children Diane gives her consent.
Matthew eventually recovers from the infection but must now face a whole new host of challenges as a quadruple amputee. Due to the fact his remaining stumps are so small there are no guarantees that he will ever be able to use prosthetic limbs. Yet throughout this almost unimaginable ordeal Matthew remains positive and upbeat, happy to be alive and there for his family.
This is the ultimate against all odds story. Matthew and Diane have worked their way through this unbelievable stroke of bad luck and remained intact as a couple and a family. They have not sugar coated how difficult it has been, but have never allowed themselves to be defeated by the challenges faced along the way. You cannot help but be inspired by their love and the power of positive thinking and looking forwards and not back.
November 6, 2014
I met Matthew and Diane on their book publicity tour. They had told their story over and over again for various interviews, and they were doing the same for us in the radio studio.
Their story is compelling. What a terrible decision to have to make: to have the chance to keep the man you love alive; without knowing how he'll react to what you had to do to save him.
So I knew their story, but decided to read the book anyway. And I still cried, and I still felt the jubilation. And I also wondered, why am I reading this? Why do I want to be a part of this family's pain?
I still haven't found an answer to that, but I was fascinated by Matthew's pain coping strategies, and some of his explanations of the pain process.
It was heartwarming to read of the support the family received, and still receive. It has also made me wonder how I can be a better human - how to juggle the commitment of work life and also help others around me.
All I can say is, thanks for sharing your story, and while it is an emotionally challenging read, I feel Diane and Matthew have given me something, a flicker of inner-strength.
Their story is compelling. What a terrible decision to have to make: to have the chance to keep the man you love alive; without knowing how he'll react to what you had to do to save him.
So I knew their story, but decided to read the book anyway. And I still cried, and I still felt the jubilation. And I also wondered, why am I reading this? Why do I want to be a part of this family's pain?
I still haven't found an answer to that, but I was fascinated by Matthew's pain coping strategies, and some of his explanations of the pain process.
It was heartwarming to read of the support the family received, and still receive. It has also made me wonder how I can be a better human - how to juggle the commitment of work life and also help others around me.
All I can say is, thanks for sharing your story, and while it is an emotionally challenging read, I feel Diane and Matthew have given me something, a flicker of inner-strength.
October 24, 2014
This sat on my virtual shelf for a while as I think I found the cover confronting.
Diane's perspective (Matthew's wife), was the first section and quite brilliant. I had tears welling in my eyes on many occasions, certainly a sign of a well written story.
Matthew's perspective is certainly very real but did not allow the reader the same gripping involvement with the story as it tended to offer a more instructional style of writing. Some emotion was added occasionally but I felt it did lack reader connection. I continued on as I can not begin to imagine how life must have been like for Matthew and his family.
Things started to become jumbled and halfway through the book it started talking about arriving home for the first time when we had already read about home visits. It began to become aware that there was no real order to this part of the story.
Unfortunately it lost me and I stopped reading. Not a bad story and certainly a story that deserves to be told but as far as a book goes I lost interest.
Diane's perspective (Matthew's wife), was the first section and quite brilliant. I had tears welling in my eyes on many occasions, certainly a sign of a well written story.
Matthew's perspective is certainly very real but did not allow the reader the same gripping involvement with the story as it tended to offer a more instructional style of writing. Some emotion was added occasionally but I felt it did lack reader connection. I continued on as I can not begin to imagine how life must have been like for Matthew and his family.
Things started to become jumbled and halfway through the book it started talking about arriving home for the first time when we had already read about home visits. It began to become aware that there was no real order to this part of the story.
Unfortunately it lost me and I stopped reading. Not a bad story and certainly a story that deserves to be told but as far as a book goes I lost interest.
August 14, 2014
Will to Live is inspiring, uplifting and an incredibly positive book. What happened to Matthew could happen to anybody and so many of us would just toss in the towel and give up. What inspired me about this book was not only Dianne's positive attitude to dealing with the hand that had been dealt to her family and Matthew's strength of purpose but also the way that family and friends rallied around to support Dianne, Matthew and their children. That sense of community, faith and support is something that really shines through this book. Without it I don't know that this family would have pulled through. It's very reassuring to see that in these times of "me, me, me" there are still people out there who genuinely care for their fellow man. Read this book! You will be inspired and if you are anything like me, your faith in humanity will be well and truly restored.
March 23, 2015
This book was compulsive reading and it is amazing how Matthew and his family have adapted to Matthew's extreme makeover! I am so glad I have never had to and will hopefully never have to make the decision that Diane had to make. Towards the end the story became a little repetitive, but other than that it was interesting reading and I look forward to hear about what and how fruther progress is made in the future.
October 28, 2014
The book gave me a renewed determination to face my own challenges with a positive spirit, compassion and determination. My husband has a severe disability and I thought it would be too close to home, but it was uplifting, reassuring and inspiring. The love they share and the warmth and humour, especially surrounding the children, is what makes the book.
November 27, 2014
You immediately feel like you know the Ames Family, and what a strong, loving and devoted family they are. Thoroughly enjoyed reading their book, would love a sequel to see how things have improved for them...
September 16, 2014
Amazing book, actually a wonderful love story.
Note: A box of tissues is not enough when reading the first half of this book - get a towel!
Note: A box of tissues is not enough when reading the first half of this book - get a towel!
September 2, 2014
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Worth the time.
November 26, 2014
Great book
Once I started reading I couldn't stop. She writes in a way you feel like you know them. I hope she will write a follow-up and let us know how much more things change.
Once I started reading I couldn't stop. She writes in a way you feel like you know them. I hope she will write a follow-up and let us know how much more things change.
January 16, 2017
Amazing!
April 5, 2016
Good read. Matthew does a wonderful job of telling of his battle for his life and his life after.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews