I am thrilled and honored to have worked with Erna Blinova Thébault to bring her story to an English-speaking readership. After experiencing a nearly fatal heart attack at the age of 35, Erna, a mother of two young boys, wills herself to regain enough physical and mental strength to receive a heart transplant. Her account celebrates medical heroes, showing the real-life impact of both complex in-the-moment decisions and everyday hospital routines on a family system. Sometimes a few gentle words of encouragement from a bedside attendant make all the difference.

In the days, weeks, and months following a medical emergency, the architecture of everyday life seems to follow new rules. While first reading this book, I was struck by how well Erna captures this complete upheaval and the human ability to adapt and thrive. Her story as a mother and immigrant to France and then Switzerland I found especially resonant–since I share these perspectives with her–but the honesty of her voice and her kind, resilient spirit will appeal to all.

https://www.ernablinova.com