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Love Trumps Grief: The Fight to Save Our Sons and the Gift That Saved Us Hardcover – June 21, 2012

by Kristin Akin (Author)

4.9 26 ratings

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Within hours, a baby boy unexpectedly goes from his crib to the pediatric intensive care unit as he begins the fight for his life. What initially appears to be liver failure is later diagnosed as Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis and the only cure is a successful bone marrow transplant. But what happens when that doesn't work, and the doctor gives up on him? As if that wasn't enough, the family then receives news that their other child somehow carries the same, extremely rare genetic mutation and could die at any moment. This story is a family's unbelievable journey through the depths of hell and living through every parent's worst nightmare, twice. And then out of nowhere, they receive the ultimate gift, sent from above. You will be amazed at their unconditional love, dedication and their fortitude to leave a legacy-that love does trump grief. Kristin Akin lives in St. Louis with her family. She stays busy working on their nonprofit foundation, The Matthew and Andrew Akin Foundation and volunteering with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of St. Louis. Looking back now, being a communications major at the University of Tulsa and writing so many papers has proven its value as she completes her first book. She loves cooking and entertaining, traveling and just laughing as much as life will allow. In her next life, she will finally be the pilot she always dreamed of being.

Print length

188 pages
Language

English
Publisher

Dog Ear Publishing, LLC
Publication date

June 21, 2012
Dimensions

5.51 x 0.56 x 8.5 inches
ISBN-10

1457513250
ISBN-13

978-1457513251
See all details

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dog Ear Publishing, LLC (June 21, 2012)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 188 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1457513250
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1457513251
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.3 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.51 x 0.56 x 8.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #6,329,086 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #157,347 in Memoirs (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.9 26 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5

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Kelley Reeves

Super, detailed, a real heart-lifter

Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2012

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I anticipated the release of this book, as I had followed their story on Care Pages. In my child development classes, students research a variety of birth defects and HLH was chosen by 2 of my students, so all of the class was aware of Justin & Kristins 2+ year fight for the lives of their sons. This book was a real eye-opener to the medical intricacies of battling such a disease. I have read it twice and will probably read it again and find things I missed the first two times. The faith and courage Justin and Kristin exhibited is a testament to their unwavering belief in God. An inspiring book that I will share with friends & family members!

3 people found this helpful

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KH

Reading this book has changed my perspective on life.

Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2012

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What a gift this author has given to me. I think I will be forever changed (at least I hope so). So often our daily duties as parents can seem like a chore or a burden. But, this book has reminded me that each day with my children is truly a gift from God. Of course, I already knew this. But, I feel it more than ever after reading this book. Thank you Kristin for sharing your story. It was written beautifully. I could not put it down and read it within 24 hours.

One person found this helpful

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MBY

A read that will change your life perspective

Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2012

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Whether you are a parent or you hope to be one someday, this book is a must read. Nobody ever can imagine what you are willing or even capable of enduring when you have to fight for your children. Kristin takes you on a horrific journey through the unimaginable and leaves you a much stronger person as you come out of it. It is a true blessing that she and her husband have had the courage and strength to share their story with the world. It will make a difference.

3 people found this helpful

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Pioneer22

Thank you for sharing

Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2013

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I have followed the Akin family's journey via CarePages, and was interested in reading Kristin's book. I couldn't put my Kindle down. Although hard to read of the immense challenges, and heart-breaking pain, this is a story of a family dedicated to being together and fighting for hope in the hardest of times. Keep up all of your work with the foundation, and being amazing parents to the boys' little brother. My thoughts and prayers will continue always. Blessings always, Ann.

Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2012

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This is a perfect description of what so many families have felt during their child's bone marrow transplant or illness. And I think it transcends the transplant world and pertains to anyone (and their families) going through the medical field with a serious illness. Thank you, Kristin, for putting your feelings and experiences into words. And thank you even more for showing people there can be silver linings to the clouds!

Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2013

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i was glued to the book from the beginning and as i cried for this mother, my heart was breaking but in the end i cried tears of joy for her and for her husband, for their life...what they've been through...and for their future....
had the pleasure of meeting the author and that made it that much more sweet!

love you toasty!
b rice

One person found this helpful

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B. Stauffer

Tear jerker.

Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2013

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I personally know this family. Reading this story makes us realize again how fortunate we are to have raised children without a disease. God Bless the Atkin family for all they have been through and continue to amaze us all with their drive to find a cure for the horrible disease that took the life of their two beautiful boys!

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Dawn

What is really important in life!

Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2012

Verified Purchase

This book was amazing! The courage and strength show by these two loving parents throughout this journey was unbelievable. We all need to learn the lesson of living every minute and loving your family while they are still with you. Thank you for sharing your story! This book is a must read for everyone.

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