This Star Won't Go Out: The Life and Words of Esther Grace Earl by Esther Earl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It took me a great deal of time between reading this memoir and reviewing it because of how profoundly her incredible memoir affected me. Prior to beginning this, I had my head shaved for St. Baldrick's Foundation to raise money for pediatric cancer research. It was one of the best days of my life, and at age 44, I knew this was my mission in life--to end pediatric cancer.
Sadly, for Esther, and for too many children, help does not come soon enough. Esther died far too young, at the age of 16.
This book should be required reading in school, and for every adult. Esther, her parents, noted author John Green, and others tell not only of Esther's life, but of her efforts to make this world a better place. It brings home the need for better treatments for pediatric cancer, better funding (the US Government earmarks less than 4% for all childhood cancers combined).
This bittersweet story broke my heart. I cried so hard, I'd have to stop reading for my eyes were too full of tears to see. It made me so angry that a beautiful young lady, so thoughtful and incredible, had to lose her battle with cancer.
I will continue my work to raise funds in memory of Esther, and other children who have died from this monstrous disease.
You can help by visiting This Star Won't Go Out at http://tswgo.org/
My fundraising efforts can be found on St. Baldrick's page www.stbaldricks.org/participants/KristaTheBaldAvenger
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