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

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.

Incredible story

Great story about the human spirit and the will to live. Well put together

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.

No Maps

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

Engrossing & involving documentary

Peeked my interest and held it throughout. The variety of witnesses documents read by different actors portrayed a realness that took me into the very hearts and minds of the many people involved. I knew little of this extraordinary event prior to this Audible experience and yet it has changed everything about how I now think about my life… before, now and for future years to come. Its meaning will be trickled throughout my teachings and parenting and dramatic affect the weltanshaung of my morality.

Amazing story

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