Andrew’s Gift

Carl Hoegerl
Lulu Publications (2011)
ISBN 9781435783386
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (6/11)

“Andrew's Gift” tells the story of two people - Andrew Marion, a fun-loving teenager who died in 2004, and a medical resident referred to only as David. David had been pushing himself to the limits, both physically and mentally. He was sleep-deprived, irritable, and felt that all he was doing was listening to patients complain. He even began to question why he chose medicine for his career. One day after becoming short of breath, David went to the emergency room where he was diagnosed with heart failure. He was put on a waiting list for a heart transplant. He consequently received Andrew’s heart after an ATV accident left Andrew brain dead.

This is a very emotional story in so many ways. Learning about what David and his family had to endure before a heart became available was agonizing. Witnessing the grief and pain experienced by Andrew’s parents, brothers, and friends was heart-wrenching. But watching them discover their inner strength was the most touching. They mourned their loss but gained the knowledge that Andrew’s generous gift of his organs allowed three people to live longer, fuller lives. The correspondence between Andrew’s family and the organ recipients was particularly uplifting.

“Andrew's Gift” is based on a true story. It is a short, but powerful book. The author adeptly portrays how one person’s actions can positively affect so many people. The organ recipients obviously benefited. David was forced to experience medicine from a patient’s point of view when he became ill. That experience undoubtedly changed his attitude towards his own patients, making him a better doctor. The lady who received Andrew’s kidneys no longer had to endure daily dialysis. Even Andrew’s family could take solace in the fact that a part of their loved one lived on through others.

“Andrew’s Gift” is intended for an adult audience, but it would be appropriate for mature teenagers. The author ties together instances of how some of the people involved in the story had crossed paths before. Was it fate, coincidence, or a higher power that brought this story full circle? Although there are some editing issues in this book, they in no way detract from its powerful message.

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