The book
Lessons from a CF Cornerman: 38 lessons I learned during my wife’s illness and lung transplant.
By Raymond L. Poole. Available in paperback and on Kindle.
The story
On New Year’s Eve 2014, thirty-seven years into her fight with cystic fibrosis, my wife Rebecca went into respiratory failure and was placed on a ventilator.
They told me she would never breathe on her own without a double lung transplant, and then said she was too sick to qualify for one. 2015 began with a prognosis of days to weeks. The year brought pneumonia, aspiration, septic shock, and something called ECMO. Five consecutive transplant hospitals turned us down.
As she fought through one battle after the next, I learned that the best thing I could do was show up every day and be in her corner. I cried a little, worried a lot, and laughed a surprising amount.
Who it’s for
People who love and care for someone with CF, and caregivers of every kind. People with CF and anyone fighting an uphill health battle. And people who dedicate themselves to health care.
It is told from a cornerman’s point of view, with a lot of humor, and it ends with 38 lessons you can use in the hospital and outside it.
Watch: Local 12 Cincinnati
Ft. Thomas husband writes book of love and lessons.
Prefer YouTube? Open the video.
Awards and recognition
First Place, Non-Fiction Book of the Year2018 Independent Author Network Book of the Year Awards. Also the category winner for Outstanding Spiritual/Inspirational.
Gold Medal, Non-Fiction: Grief/Hardship2017 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards.
Finalist, five stars2017 Wishing Shelf Book Awards.
What people say
“Reading it will inspire everyone—especially those with a cystic fibrosis connection.”
Michael P. Boyle, MDPresident and CEO, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. From an Amazon review, March 2018.
From the CF community
“Ray gives us ‘shotgun’ on this exhilarating ride through his wife’s fearless battle against CF. His love for Rebecca is robust, his humor is refreshing, and his determination is incomparable.”
Emily Schaller Founder and CEO, Rock CF
“This book is a must read to help show what true love is capable of when faced with the depths of hell.”
Sandi Alvaro Cystic fibrosis advocate and blogger, Behind the Smile of a Cystic
“It helps make your battle a WE thing, rather than a ME thing.”
James Cameron Cystic fibrosis trainer
“Not just for cystic fibrosis, but for any loved one dealing with chronic illness, this is a must-read.”
Ian Pettigrew Photographer and publisher
From readers on Amazon
“I feel more prepared and hopeful about what the future will hold”
Wendy G. Reader living with CF, 2017
“it has opened my eyes on how I should treat my wife and family”
Joe P. Reader living with CF, 2017
“Every C.F. family should read this book.”
Cam B. Husband of a transplant recipient, 2017
“we often forget the family in the corner”
Tennille S. Respiratory therapist, 2016
“tears are jerked, and laughs show up in the most unlikely places”
Brendan B. Reader, 2017
“The best story of courage and perseverance I have ever read.”
Catherine M. Reader, 2016
“they both are genuinely living these lessons”
WB H. Reader, 2023
“This book spells LOVE.”
Carol F. Reader, 2016
Read all the reviews on Amazon. Reviews above are shortened excerpts.
What the judges said
A Writer’s Digest competition judge scored the book 5 out of 5 in all six categories: structure, grammar, production and cover, story appeal, character, and voice.
“This book touched my heart.”
What Wishing Shelf readers said
All 21 readers would recommend it to another reader, and all 21 would read another book by the author. Content scored 10 out of 10.
A few of the 38 lessons
- 1
Show up.
- 7
Do not mourn for somebody that is alive.
- 8
Two steps forward and one step back is still an improvement.
- 13
Every day may not be a good day, but recognize that it is good to have that day.
- 16
If you have the opportunity, laugh.