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My Favorite American
My Favorite American is the biography of Pennsylvania s Valen Cover, a remarkable young woman who fought back from the brink of death more than once to become a beacon of hope to all who know her.
Valen, who is now twenty-five years old and living a normal life, has been through a life-and-death struggle with serious illnesses such as pancreatitis, scoliosis, seizures, and polycystic kidney disease PKD diagnosed at the age of ten. There were times when she spent more time in the hospital than at home.
Her parents, too, suffered as they watched their little girl endure pain and discomfort that they could do nothing about. Valen underwent multiple surgeries and medical procedures to address one problem after another. Finally, today, she is a woman of incredible inner strength and courage.
From her battle in the womb to a serious motorcycle accident in 2007, Valen Cover is a woman of incredible inner strength and courage. One acquaintance "You will not leave her presence without knowing her gift."
Valen, who is now twenty-five years old and living a normal life, has been through a life-and-death struggle with serious illnesses such as pancreatitis, scoliosis, seizures, and polycystic kidney disease PKD diagnosed at the age of ten. There were times when she spent more time in the hospital than at home.
Her parents, too, suffered as they watched their little girl endure pain and discomfort that they could do nothing about. Valen underwent multiple surgeries and medical procedures to address one problem after another. Finally, today, she is a woman of incredible inner strength and courage.
From her battle in the womb to a serious motorcycle accident in 2007, Valen Cover is a woman of incredible inner strength and courage. One acquaintance "You will not leave her presence without knowing her gift."
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First published June 27, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 18, 2017
From the absolutely stunning cover picture of this amazing young lady to the concluding chapter of various acquaintances and friends sharing their own thoughts about Valen and her impact on their lives, the reader will come away knowing that anything is possible, especially if the attitude and desire is there to support what medical science offers many chronically ill patients these days. In a biography penned by this Canadian author who shares his unashamedly “over the top” admiration with a skilled portrayal of the subject’s medically challenged life with PKD (polycystic kidney disease) from birth and even beyond her life saving living donor kidney transplant in August of 2002, we live Valen Cover’s life down to extreme detail which gives us a very realistic almost day-by-day appreciation for what her life and survival really means.
Valen was not always looking so beautiful and full of energy, with many days showing the signs of the disease on her ravaged body often described by her loving parents who lived through and stood by her every step of the way. Valen’s love and admiration for her family and especially her parents comes through loud and clear in words that any parent would love to hear said of themselves. From early days of childhood and many, many hospital stays and procedures, it was never clear that there would be a tomorrow or if there was, what quality of life that would offer. With faith and an extremely skilled kidney surgeon in Johns Hopkins’ doctor Robert Montgomery, she survives the roller coaster ride of kidney disease and kidney transplant to live on a life of inspiration and support for others, along with entering, amazingly, a normal career. Valen reaches out and is the founder of the South Central PA Chapter for PKD, taking it to levels of national prominence as she emerges on that same national scene as a powerful advocate and polished speaker for the cause. Her story of returning to a full life is not without its own perils as we live through a motorcycle accident that threatens her life in a different way. Again, with determination and tenacity, buoyed by her deliberate choice of a positive reaction to just about everything she encounters, we are offered inspiring lessons on how to deal with our own life challenges, something Valen is well known for by any and all who come into contact with her.
One very uniquely interesting and moving chapter of the story involves the author and subject being invited by Dr. Montgomery to “scrub in” on a kidney transplant operation. You can only imagine how that must have felt to this patient who had herself undergone the same procedure. At one point in both the recovery and implant operations, Valen gets to assist the surgeon in a very minor way, one that brought tears to my eyes, but let me not give away more so that you too can enjoy her sharing of that involvement.
For families faced with PKD, for fellow patients dealing with their own chronic illnesses, for medical professionals who need the affirmation that their work is fruitful and meaningful despite some daily setbacks, this life story is certainly an inspiring read. At times it may seem like too much trivial detail, reading like a romantic novel as someone said, but that lends a sense of connection and reality to this true life story of transplant and life success, a story that comes off the page to touch the reader’s heart.
As one of her nurses said “I look forward to her future.” I am sure readers will join me in echoing that same phrase for we certainly have not heard nor seen the last of this bright, rising star who is the obvious proof that “transplantation works!” Come to believe that and sign up to be an organ donor yourself, making it possible for many more young and old alike to live their life to its fullest potential, as this wonderful story shows us.
see this and more than a hundred other organ donation/transplant related books - many with my personal reviews - at http://www.trioweb.org/resources/book...
Valen was not always looking so beautiful and full of energy, with many days showing the signs of the disease on her ravaged body often described by her loving parents who lived through and stood by her every step of the way. Valen’s love and admiration for her family and especially her parents comes through loud and clear in words that any parent would love to hear said of themselves. From early days of childhood and many, many hospital stays and procedures, it was never clear that there would be a tomorrow or if there was, what quality of life that would offer. With faith and an extremely skilled kidney surgeon in Johns Hopkins’ doctor Robert Montgomery, she survives the roller coaster ride of kidney disease and kidney transplant to live on a life of inspiration and support for others, along with entering, amazingly, a normal career. Valen reaches out and is the founder of the South Central PA Chapter for PKD, taking it to levels of national prominence as she emerges on that same national scene as a powerful advocate and polished speaker for the cause. Her story of returning to a full life is not without its own perils as we live through a motorcycle accident that threatens her life in a different way. Again, with determination and tenacity, buoyed by her deliberate choice of a positive reaction to just about everything she encounters, we are offered inspiring lessons on how to deal with our own life challenges, something Valen is well known for by any and all who come into contact with her.
One very uniquely interesting and moving chapter of the story involves the author and subject being invited by Dr. Montgomery to “scrub in” on a kidney transplant operation. You can only imagine how that must have felt to this patient who had herself undergone the same procedure. At one point in both the recovery and implant operations, Valen gets to assist the surgeon in a very minor way, one that brought tears to my eyes, but let me not give away more so that you too can enjoy her sharing of that involvement.
For families faced with PKD, for fellow patients dealing with their own chronic illnesses, for medical professionals who need the affirmation that their work is fruitful and meaningful despite some daily setbacks, this life story is certainly an inspiring read. At times it may seem like too much trivial detail, reading like a romantic novel as someone said, but that lends a sense of connection and reality to this true life story of transplant and life success, a story that comes off the page to touch the reader’s heart.
As one of her nurses said “I look forward to her future.” I am sure readers will join me in echoing that same phrase for we certainly have not heard nor seen the last of this bright, rising star who is the obvious proof that “transplantation works!” Come to believe that and sign up to be an organ donor yourself, making it possible for many more young and old alike to live their life to its fullest potential, as this wonderful story shows us.
see this and more than a hundred other organ donation/transplant related books - many with my personal reviews - at http://www.trioweb.org/resources/book...
February 22, 2014
The woman featured in this book, Valen Cover Keefer, is truly an inspiration. Dennis, the author, is not overstating how sincere and positive Valen is. If you don't know of her, read her blog at www.PKDwillnotbeatme.com. She has been through more health challenges than anyone should ever have to bear, yet she perseveres and keeps a smile on her face. She is small, but mighty. She lets love lead her and protect her and serve her in all of her challenges - and uses her gift of words to inspire others to face life's challenges and forge ahead stronger and happier and fuller than ever. Thank you, Dennis, for your time and effort in digging deep into Valen's world and uncovering family stories and secrets that have built the foundation from which Valen lives and thrives. Thank you, Valen, for sharing your story as a spokeswoman for PKD and a Donate Life Ambassador!
October 12, 2013
I know Valen and she is a brave, sweet soul. She has endured much and continues to shine so brightly in the world. I wish Dennis had chosen a different title so that more people would find this book. It sounds so historical and what Valen has endured (and continues to endure) is a journey WITH a difficult and life-threatening illness (PKD). Her courage and attitude is inspiring. Check out her blog at PKDwillnotbeatme.com - you will be inspired, too. While I liked the book, I like her blog even more.
July 1, 2014
a personal interest in PKD brought me to this book. The author is a journalist and I feel that the writing follows that of a long article into which he often inserts himself. It is obvious that he adores the subject and I enjoyed learning about her life. Although I didn't love the writing style I was touched by her descriptions of her kidney transplant and her interactions with those that got her through it.
March 3, 2009
I am writing an article about the woman featured in this biography. She lives in York.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews