You've got to have the guts : life after childhood cancer

As a television news reporter, I rarely experience a personal story that actually touches me. I speak to victims – people who were duped or discriminated against – on a regular basis, but normally I can shake it off quite easily. From a reporter’s perspective, it’s always nice to find a person who is actually involved in the story. That is how I met Esther; I had to report on the consequences of childhood cancer and a large national scientific study that was launched during that time. I visited Esther one afternoon in her house in Ede, and was greeted by a cute dog, delicious home- made cake, and a big garden. The autobiographical book You've Got to Have the Guts is the moving account of a quest for happiness. Esther Radstaak-Brookman (1967) was diagnosed with a germ cell tumor at the age of twelve. After two years of serious illness she healed. These days Esther is a pharmacist assistant, married and has a healthy daughter. When her daughter was almost twelve, all the traumatic experiences that Esther had to endure when she was young emerged more vividly than ever. Due to all the emotional trauma she lost grip on life and alienated herself. As a last resort she looked for professional help. In a long-term psychotherapy with dozens of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) sessions, she finally rediscovered herself. This book will help parents deal with their grief and emotions. Doctors and nurses have the opportunity to see themselves through the eyes of a child. But the most valuable is that people with similar traumatic experiences can draw courage from Esther's final victory. Esther Radstaak is married, has one daughter and works as a pharmacist assistant. She has been involved as a volunteer with the Association of Parents, Children and Cancer, participates in scientific research into the late effects of childhood cancer and is frequently in the news. 'A confrontational, but also uplifting book. It gives a good insight in the deep valleys cancer can cause in a lifetime. Highly recommended!' - Prof.Dr. H. Vanderwiel - Bron: Flaptekst, uitgeversinformatie Do you, or someone close to you, have some sort of autism disorder? Or do you wonder if the person has one? Then this book is absolutely an eye-opener and a must-read for you! In I Am Not Strange, I Have Autism, author Ellen van Gelder gives a clear insight in the life of someone with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. She does this in 26 chapters, arranged from A to Z. Along with her own side of the story, she also includes stories of her 'fellow autists', who give their take on life with autism.With these practical insights, I Am Not Strange, I Have Autism is an inspiring book for people with ASD who are looking for more balance in their lives, but also for partners, caregivers, family members, or others who want to learn more about an ASD. It gives a nice and clear insight in the being-different of ASD. Ellen's book is a big hit in Europe. Author Ellen van Gelder gives a clear insight in the life of someone with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. She does this in 26 chapters, arranged from A to Z. Along with her own side of the story, she also includes stories of her 'fellow autists', who give their take on life with autism. With these practical insights, I Am Not Strange, I Have Autism is an inspiring book for people with ASD who are looking for more balance in their lives, but also for partners, caregivers, family members, or others who want to learn more about an ASD. It gives a nice and clear insight in the being-different of ASD. Ellen's book is a big hit in Europe