I Had to Survive

How a Plane Crash in the Andes Inspired My Calling to Save Lives

By: Dr. Roberto Canessa, Pablo Vierci

Narrated by: full cast, Thom Rivera, Traber Burns, Elijah Alexander, Neil Shah, Hillary Huber, Kyla Garcia, Tavia Gilbert, Emily Woo Zeller

Length: 8 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

On October 13, 1972, a Uruguayan Air Force plane carrying members of the Old Christians rugby team - and many of their friends and family members - crashed into the Andes Mountains. I Had to Survive offers a gripping and heartrending recollection of the harrowing, brink-of-death experience that propelled survivor Roberto Canessa to become one of the world's leading pediatric cardiologists.

As he tended to his wounded teammates amid the devastating carnage of the wreck, rugby player Roberto Canessa, a second-year medical student at the time, realized that no one on Earth was luckier: He was alive - and for that, he should be eternally grateful. As the starving group struggled beyond the limits of what seemed possible, Canessa played a key role in safeguarding his fellow survivors, eventually trekking with a companion across the hostile mountain range for help. This fine line between life and death became the catalyst for the rest of his life.

This uplifting tale of hope and determination, solidarity and ingenuity, gives vivid insight into a world-famous story. Canessa also draws a unique and fascinating parallel between his work as a doctor performing arduous heart surgeries on infants and unborn babies and the difficult life-changing decisions he was forced to make in the Andes. With grace and humanity, Canessa prompts us to ask ourselves, what do you do when all the odds are stacked against you?

©2016 Dr. Roberto Canessa (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Amazing story

The hardships they endured were unimaginable. The courage and fortitude they showed is very inspirational.

Incredible story

Maybe I read this at the wrong time ( recovering from an injury)? But while the first half was riveting, I guess I shall never know about the last half cause I could not finish it. Maybe some other day, but I doubt it. It goes from unbearable tension do da, da, da, dum. My term for BORING. But who knows, maybe it is just me.

Wow

This was an interesting view into what goes into making someone who they are. And what comes to the fore front when you’re in dire circumstances

No Maps

Enjoyed the content and readers but could not access the maps that were supposed to be attached (PDF). Disappointing!

Awesome testimony!

Roberto is a friend of mine. This book touched me deeply & helped me out of a deep depression. Thank you, Roberto for sharing this story.

An Amazing Life After the Andes

This was a well written, excellently narrated book about how one of the survivors, who also with another, found help, has devoted his life to helping others, making a difference in many lives. He's a source of inspiration for his patients and others.. It was great to read about this wise healer, and what he was able to take from his Andes experience and turn it into a positive. Well done. Thank you.

Great history

I love when people tell their history. It is not as much about the Andes even but how it affected dr Canessa, what he became, the ppl he had helped. Very deep, very touching.

Survival

A beautiful biography of Roberto Canessa with many life lessons. His experiences while surviving a plane wreck teach him life lessons that later help him in his medical career, saving the lives of babies with heart conditions.

Difficult to pause!

Such a great and comprehensive read on the experiences of Roberto Canessa and how his life after his rescue was shaped by his experiences. The excerpts contributed to those who’ve benefitted from the work he went into afterwards is touching and a testament to how far reaching a person’s influence can be. Definitely add this one to your library.

Life changing

A book you won't be able to put down. It will transform the way you look at the perceived worries of your day to day life. New outlook on the beauty in each day, each bite of food, and each night you have a roof over your head.