The Power of Two: A Twin Triumph over Cystic Fibrosis

By: Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, Anabel Stenzel

Narrated by: Linda Kerr

Length: 14 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

For most people, a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis means the certainty of a life ended too soon. But for twin girls with the disease, what began as a family's stubborn determination grew into a miracle.

The tragedy of CF has been touchingly recounted in such books as Frank Deford's Alex: The Life of a Child, but The Power of Two is the first book to portray the symbiotic relationship between twins who share this life-threatening disease through adulthood. Isabel Stenzel Byrnes and Anabel Stenzel tell of their lifelong struggle to pursue normal lives with cystic fibrosis while grappling with the realization that they will die young. Their story reflects the physical and emotional challenges of a particularly aggressive form of CF and tells how the twins' bicultural heritage - Japanese and German - influenced the way they coped with these challenges.

Born in 1972, 17 years before scientists discovered the genetic mutation that causes CF, Isabel and Anabel endured the daily regimen of chest percussion, frequent doctor visits, and lengthy hospitalizations. But they tell how, in the face of innumerable setbacks, their deep-seated dependence on each other allowed them to survive long enough to reap the benefits of the miraculous lung transplants that marked a crossroads in their lives: "We have an old life - one of growing up with chronic illness - and a new life - one of opportunities and gifts we have never imagined before." In this memoir, they pay tribute to the people who shaped their experience.

The Power of Two is an honest and gripping portrayal of day-to-day health care, the impact of chronic illness on marriage and family, and the importance of a support network to continuing survival. It conveys an important message to both popular and professional listeners as it addresses key psychosocial issues in chronic illness throughout the sufferer's lifespan and illuminates the human side of advances in biotechnology.

Even as gene therapy and stem-cell research increase the chances for eradicating CF, this stirring account portrays its effects on one family that refused to give up. These two remarkable sisters have much to teach about the power of perseverance - and about the ultimate power of hope.

The book is published by University of Missouri Press.

©2007 The Curators of the University of Missouri (P)2014 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A book of hope and a must-read for any parent of a CF child or a person living with CF." (Boomer Esiason, NFL Pro Football Player, President, Boomer Esiason Foundation, Parent of CF Child)

"Isabel and Anabel's memoir of their extraordinary battle with cystic fibrosis is at once uplifting and frightening, touching and tough, but always powerful and filled with life and spirit, alike." (Frank Deford, author of Alex: The Life of a Child)

Remarkable,courageous Women and Story

Would you listen to The Power of Two: A Twin Triumph over Cystic Fibrosis again? Why?

Yes.
It is a lesson of the human spirit and how one's will can overcome physical adversities.
I really learned a lot about Cystic Fibrosis from this audiobook.
Even though it has sad moments there are some hilarious moments in it.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the fact that the twins are half Japanese and half German.
The story not only taught me about Cystic Fibrosis but it also taught me about the two cultures and how Cystic Fibrosis affected a family's life.
It also taught me about having a twin.
It truly is a great candid look into Isa and Ana lives. From birth to adulthood.
A lot of personal moments shared by both.

Have you listened to any of Linda Kerr’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to any other narration form Linda Kerr but feel that
she did a great job in narrating both girls,very entertaining and soothing.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I would have to say that the moment when one of the twins was dying while waiting for her lung transplant to come through.At the last minute her doctors came in and told the family that they found a match. Tears came to my eyes at that moment.
It made me join up to be an organ donor. I never realized how important that can be.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this audiobook for all.

Moving and well written story

This is a fantastic book. Well written. Educational. Easy to relate to. Some parts of the book are tough, but that is what allows this book to provide such a realistic glimpse into the lives of those who live with CF.