Chronic diseases are responsible for seven out of every ten deaths in the U.S.; 45% of Americans have been diagnosed with at least one. The question is: When you are diagnosed with one of these diseases, how will you get through it? What will you do to survive it?A ground-breaking medical memoir, Anatomy of a Patient, chronicles one man's struggle to answer these questions. With this book, Reginald Harvey and co-author, Joy Strickland, have delivered an exceptional medical memoir. Though rich and compelling, the narrative is neither sentimental nor prescriptive; and despite the ominous prognosis and challenging family history, there are no victims here.
The saga begins with Harvey's stunning diagnosis on Christmas Eve (2015). HIV and hepatitis B have gone undetected in his body for 15 years. He's in stage IV renal failure. His nephrologist tells him, "You could have gone to sleep and never awakened."
Harvey's African-American family history offers a fascinating context for Part I, as his trauma triggers memories of nuclear and extended family members who shaped his early years in Waterloo, Iowa. Contemplating the lives of these amazing people - survivors, all - Harvey finds the resolve to stare down his diagnosis, and earn his stripes as a survivor.
Part II chronicles Harvey's life-and-death struggle to encourage and cajole insurance providers and benefits specialists into acting in his best interests. His challenges precipitate in unexpected, though deeply valued, self-discovery. An incredibly private person, he must learn to trust his friends with his diagnosis. As he does so, four volunteer to become live kidney donors!
Anatomy of a Patient will inspire the millions affected directly or indirectly by a life-threatening diagnosis. Healthcare professionals will also appreciate this medical memoir written from an outsider's perspective.
Harvey is an intelligent survivor with a lot to say. He earned a B.S. in Business Management from LeTourneau University, and an M.S. in Science and Technology Commercialization from the University of Texas at Austin. His medical trauma, and his expertise in manufacturing processes qualify him uniquely to write this book.
Joy Strickland, Harvey's dear friend, is a Dallas-based author and freelance writer. She is a former IBM and nonprofit executive. Strickland authored Joy in the Morning (2010). Her essays and blogs have appeared on HuffPost.com, CNN.com, DallasNews.com, Aljazeera.com, and other media. Strickland holds a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Texas at Austin.
