No Match For Her

by Travis Lee Hicks

What would you do if your child were diagnosed with a life-threatening illness? When his 12-year-old daughter Lilli was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia two weeks before Christmas, Travis Hicks was in the worst shape of his life. Overweight and overworked, Hicks watched his daughter Lilli fight for her life against an aggressive blood cancer. Inspired by his daughter's strength, Travis took up yoga and walking while giving up sweet tea, a blasphemous adjustment for this Southerner. After wondering, "What's the worst that could happen if I were to start running?" Hicks ultimately became a long distance runner, shed over 40 pounds, and restored his health in time to help his daughter through the fight of her life. Read this father's story of life, health, family, and faith to understand the impact of pediatric cancer on a family and their community.

420 pages, Hardcover

Published November 27, 2019

About the author

Travis Lee Hicks is a father, husband, and long distance runner who lives with his family of five in Greensboro, NC. A Middle Georgia native with a Master of Architecture from Princeton University, Hicks practiced architecture and design for 13 years before leaving the corporate world to teach interior architecture full-time at UNC Greensboro where he leads design students in community-engaged design projects that impact the greater Piedmont-Triad region of North Carolina.

Reviews

[Mrs Rj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sensitive, yet brutally honest and raw, retelling of a 12 year old daughters' cancer journey, told through her father's eyes. I have had cancer and have read a great many books of people's journeys but never one so committed to the reality of the day to day emotional impact of cancer on a family. Often people turn to the experience of others to help them cope with their own - this book would be a great place to turn.

I would highly recommend this as a read for any parents of a newly diagnosed child, as it would gently, but realistically prepare the path before them. While every cancer journey is unique, there is some things that will remain true for all. Many stories around cancer have a tragic ending, one of the benefits of this book is that it will leave you with hope for what could be. However, even at the end of the book, the ongoing tensions and stresses of living life when treatment has come to an end are laid bare.

Travis Lee Hicks has travelled a path no parent wants to go down. I am grateful that he has taken the time to share his and his families story because this book offers personal and intimate insights of being a loving father of a child with cancer without sanitising it from the devastating and traumatic emotions and realities they had to adjust to. Not only a good read for families facing a similar journey but also for their friends and families to give them understanding that they may be unable to express themselves.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was heartfelt and engrossing. In it the author describes his daughter’s fight with cancer and how close his family came to losing her. He also writes about how that experience motivated him to improve his health through diet and long distance running. Part of charm of the book is that it’s self-published which makes the book more honest and raw. You are reading what a normal guy/ dad really felt and really heard with no holds barred.

As someone who works in healthcare I really appreciated that this book let me experience the side of patient's lives that I never get to see. I would recommend this book to anyone who is experiencing childhood illness, who works in healthcare, and anyone who wants to read a heartfelt story about a family persevering through adversity. Additionally, I think many runners would like this book as it describes a man's journey going from a beginner runner to a accomplished half-marathoner.

[MCK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt story of family, faith & love amidst hardship

This is a beautifully written story of the heartache a cancer diagnosis can have on a family. As a pediatric oncology nurse, I witness firsthand the physical effects cancer has on my patients. As much as we try, though, we can never completely understand the emotional toll it takes on the patient and family. Mr. Hicks does an excellent job of weaving those emotions into the story of his daughter, Lilli’s, battle against a disease no parent should ever have to watch their child endure.

I am honored to have been a part of taking care of Lilli during her battle against AML. I saw her strength and the strength of her family up close. However, I thoroughly enjoyed learning things about their life, faith and journey that a hospital environment doesn’t always allow us caregivers to explore.

Mr. Hicks was able to tell his family’s story with emotion that had me crying, smiling and laughing throughout the book. He is able to depict the fear, anxiety, hope, and roller coaster of emotions a parent of a cancer patient goes through with a genuineness that puts the reader in his shoes.

I definitely recommend this book for anyone wanting to read a story of how strength, love and faith can prevail in the face of tribulation and adversity.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read. It usually takes a while for me to take on a book, but I couldn’t set this one down! The sheer rawness from the author made me laugh, cry, and every other emotion in between. I highly recommend this to anyone who has ever gone through or is going through tough times. The lightheartedness of the author and the support from the community through his family’s journey with cancer is awe-inspiring.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that NO MATCH FOR HER by Travis Lee Hicks has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: No Match For Her
Author: Travis Lee Hicks

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 16 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘subject knowledge’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘clarity of message’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
“In many ways, a harrowing book. It feels very honest, the dad putting across his and his daughter´s journey clearly. It´s not a short read, and you can get a little lost in all the info the author puts across. But it´s so interesting – and often terribly sad too.” Male reader, aged 55
“Well-written, inspirational battle with cancer. There´s a lot of love and a lot of bravery in this very personal story. I wonder if the dad, Hicks, wrote this to help him to process everything. Well, I´m glad he did. I would recommend this to anybody who is going through this. There´s a lot of advice hidden in amongst this family´s story.” Female reader, aged 38
“It´s amazing to see the impact – so much of it positive – of this girl´s illness on her family and community. It´s wonderful to see people coming together to help. It´s good Hicks starting to look after himself too. You can´t help anybody if you don´t do that. A sad, heart-wrenching read, but I still thought it to be incredibly insightful.” Female reader, aged 62

To Sum It Up:
‘An insightful, honest gem of a book. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

At The End Of The Day

At the end of the day, I liked the book and found it a solid read but I also feel that there are a few things that would have made it better!
For a book about a child suffering from leukemia I guess I expected more FEELINGS to be shared rather than thoughts ABOUT it? I would have loved to hear from Lilli's mom and siblings or even from Lilli herself. Did SHE ever think she could die or was she young enough that her thoughts didn't go in that direction? And though the author, Lilli's dad, Travis writes well, it's clear that he is less comfortable with feelings and would prefer intellect over emotion almost every time.
Lilli seems like such a strong young lady and an excellent patient. She too seemed to take a lot in stride and process things internally but there is nothing wrong with that -- in her or her dad. Both are strong individuals who fought battles. Lilli fought leukemia and her dad fought unhealthy weight gain and potential further complications by starting a running program which led to marathons. A great parallel to his daughter's own marathon fighting cancer!

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I watched this family walk through this battle, although I had no idea of the depth of it. Travis is an amazing writer and I loved his candor, sense of humor, and vulnerability. I was sad when the book ended.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t really start reading this book till this afternoon and I couldn’t put it down.

[Ann Sykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was unable to put this book down and read to the end. Very moving. Travis has a great writing style.

[Timea Tokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected emotions, but not this...

I expected to be overtaken by emotions while reading this story, but I didn't expect to be so overwhelmed that I could hardly keep reading. I tried to stay impartial, an outsider, but the story pulled me in and I felt like I was there in the hospital room. I felt the pain, the unexpected joy, the fear... Everything.

I recommend this book to everyone who wants to learn how a family copes through the most painful times and how hope and love can truly conquer all. Be prepared with lots of tissues.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems odd to characterize this book as a great read given the subject matter, but that’s exactly what it is. This is a real family dealing with childhood leukemia, and while the tone is hopeful and guided by faith, nothing is sugar-coated.

[Beth Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matchless

Raw. Honest. Hopeful. Scary. Faithful. Encouraging. Beautiful.

These are the words I would use to describe the journey this family has been on, and continue to travel. Travis wove a compelling story, and made me feel as if I were taking every step with them. Holding my breath, laughing, and waiting right along with them. Lilli’s story is far from over, and we are eager to see the mighty things she does with her fighting spirit.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Travis Hicks recounts how his daughter Lilli was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia at just age 12. With the news, their lives turned upside down. Their family had to adapt to keep a healthy atmosphere for the children and juggle their daily lives while Lilli was treated.

No Match For Her is such an inspiring story. I recommend that everyone read this because it resonates with the reader and leaves a lasting effect. It gives the reader a reality check. Everyday problems suddenly pale dramatically as the pages turn. Time is a gift, and so is family. You never know what could be lurking around the corner, so make the most of today.

The writing is cohesive, and the author gives an account that many readers can empathize with. For many, this book is painfully familiar. At the same time, it gives hope to those reading who are experiencing similar situations. The author helps the readers understand that they are not alone and that other people have gone through similar hardships.

This book is a great example of 'if they can do it, so can I.' The author is motivated by his daughter's resilience and strength. In turn, he takes up running and yoga and radically changes his health for the better. It sends out the heartwarming message that you can rise above obstacles placed in front of you. No one displayed this better than Lilli herself.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Match for Her is a book that follows the true story of the author (and his family) through the devastating experience of his daughter’s cancer diagnosis. Travis Lee Hicks takes this story in a few directions - the medical narrative of his daughter’s illness, the changing family dynamic that follows it, and his own personal journey towards better health and a major overhaul of his priorities.

Hicks writes with brutal honesty at times, noting some of the most difficult parts of being the parent of a paediatric cancer patient. He also comments with great insight to his own mental state at different moments. A particularly poignant moment is the moment of Lilli’s diagnosis, where Hicks guessed (due to the elaborateness of the hospital room) the news they were about to receive. Hicks writes this passage slowly, carefully, capturing every aspect of dread and anticipation. As should be expected of the subject matter, it’s a very emotional book, so be warned - and this is very much exacerbated by Hicks’ evocative writing style.

By giving it the dual focus of his own health journey, as opposed to writing only about his daughter’s, the author makes this book insightful and, often, inspirational. It’s well worth a read.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "No Match for Her" Travis Lee Hicks recounts his journey as a father of a pediatric cancer patient. Travis Hicks' life is turned upside down when his 12 year old daughter Lilli is diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Hicks' account is raw and real as readers get a play by play of how he and his family's lives change during Lilli's treatment. From the day of her diagnosis to blood exams to chemotherapy to surgery, readers share the family's joys as Lilli overcomes hurtles along with pain at devastating setbacks. Inspired by his daughter's resiliency, the author goes through his own transformation both physically and mentally. I enjoyed Hicks' writing style and the way it really transports readers as if you are right alongside Lilli and her family. There are certain experiences that people cannot relate to unless they have gone through them themselves but Hicks manages to convey his story in a way that even readers who have never experienced cancer in their family will be able to relate to. This is a great book for readers who are looking to have a better understanding of cancer and allow them to empathize more with the cancer community.

[K.C. Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. I admit there were moments that were harder for me to read, as it brought back many memories of when my own mother was battling cancer. (She sadly passed away in 2018.) I remembered taking her to the hospital, what it was like to deal with the chemo treatments, and the ever-looming question of the future. I remember how positive my mother remained through all of it, and it sounds like Lilli was very much like her. Amazing for a 12-year-old to be able to have that level of maturity.

Travis tells his story beautifully, in just enough detail. I can only imagine what it must be like to walk through the cancer story from the perspective of a parent, but I loved that his daughter's journey ultimately inspired him to get healthier, that she pushed him to set goals higher than he might have otherwise. He captures the fears and joys that he and his family endured during this time, letting the reader see a glimpse of what their world was like. All in all, it's a lovely, well-written and inspirational book, and I highly recommend it.

[Michael Slavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because I was going to have a character in one of novels have a child with AML, the worst type of leukemia.

Wow! I knew it would be tough on a 12 yo, but I never imagined the unimaginable hardship on a family, especially if someone had to work and you had other children. I would encourage anyone and everyone to read this to understand the disease better.

A powerful young woman, Lilly, and her family. If you read this, you will go through the whole journey with her and the family. The father wrote the book; he must have taken great notes as it transpired.

Great book...read it.