The Gift of Life

Lynch, J. Lincoln, NE: iUniverse, 2004. 95 pp; $12.95; 1-877-288-4737;http://www.iuniverse.com

The Gift of Life is the author's memoir about her older daughter, Linda, who inherited the rare disease alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. Linda, a beautiful, talented person with a husband and two young boys, fought her disease aggressively before being put on the lung transplant list.

The book describes not only Linda's determination to live, but also to care for her family while connected to a 50-foot oxygen cord. Before her illness, Linda loved the outdoor life and was able to keep spring unfolding year round with her ability to raise beautiful flowers, keep an immaculate green lawn, and to care for her numerous animals. Even while ill, she continued to try to do the same by living an abundant life.

The book expresses her experiences at the hospital, before and after the lung transplant. It also teaches about who should be tested for alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, the trial of being on a lung transplant list, the rejection medications, and the hospice program.

Finally, it expresses how the family assisted and how the family is affected when a loved one is ill.