The Puzzle Solver

A Scientist's Desperate Quest to Cure the Illness that Stole His Son

By: Tracie White, Ronald W. Davis PhD

Narrated by: Hillary Huber

Length: 5 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

A Father, His Son, and an Unrelenting Quest for a Cure

At the age of 27, Whitney Dafoe was forced to give up his life as a photographer who traveled the world. Bit by bit a mysterious illness stole away the pieces of his life: First, it took the strength of his legs, then his voice, and his ability to eat. Finally, even the sound of a footstep in his room became unbearable. The Puzzle Solver follows several years in which he desperately sought answers from specialist after specialist, where at one point his 6'3" frame dropped to 115 lbs. For years, he underwent endless medical tests, but doctors told him there was nothing wrong. Then, finally, a diagnosis: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis.

In the 80s, when an outbreak of people immobilized by an indescribable fatigue were reported near Lake Tahoe, Nevada, doctors were at a loss to explain the symptoms. The condition would alternatively be nicknamed Raggedy Ann Syndrome or the Yuppie Disease, and there was no cure or answers about treatment. They were to remain sick.

But there was one answer: Whitney's father, Ron Davis, PhD, a world-class geneticist at Stanford University whose legendary research helped crack the code of DNA, suddenly changed the course of his career in a race against time to cure his son's debilitating condition.

In The Puzzle Solver, journalist Tracie White, who first wrote a viral and award-winning piece on Davis and his family in Stanford Medicine, tells his story. In gripping prose, she masterfully takes listeners along on this journey with Davis to solve one of the greatest mysteries in medicine. In a piercing investigative narrative, closed doors are opened, and masked truths are exposed as Davis uncovers new proof confirming that Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a biological disease.

At the heart of this book is a moving story that goes far beyond medicine, this is a story about how the power of love - and science - can shine light in even the darkest, most hidden, corners of the world.

©2021 Tracie White and Ronald W. Davis, PhD (P)2021 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"The Puzzle Solver is a love-letter not only to the Dafoe and Davis family but to everyone with crushing chronic illness who nevertheless continue to find meaning and joy in life - and to those who stand behind them. It's both a gripping read and a heart-wrenching story, but far more, it's inspiring, showing how we, and those we love, can band together to withstand challenges, even those beyond your worst nightmares." (Julie Rehmeyer, author of Through the Shadowlands)

"The Puzzle Solver is a compelling story of the love of a father who as a scientist preserved through a maze of uncertainty to help his son. Anyone who has endured undiagnosed chronic illness or has been subjected to the blanket dismissal of the medical community will find refuge in this book. The personal sense of responsibility coupled with the journey for acceptance of this disease as having a biological basis is nothing short of inspiring. A reminder that our lives can change in an instant, are are ultimately dependent upon our love for each other." (Rana Awdish, MD, author of In Shock)

"The Puzzle Solver is a medical mystery with a heart. It's a poignant memoir of a scientist whose determination, ingenuity and love for his son drives him to the limits of science and medicine to unravel an enigmatic illness that has eluded doctors for decades." (Steffanie Strathdee, author of The Perfect Predator)

MECFS is real.

I have a dear friend who suffers from Chronic fatigue syndrome, and she was told by friends and loved ones that it was all in her head, there was nothing wrong with her. I have lost touch with her, which I regret. I hope she reads this book or hears about it and is able to get some validation for her health problems. She is not crazy.

B A beautiful and well-researched story.

l loved it. This is a well-written true story with excellent narration. I can't wait for a sequel.

Eye Opening and Inspiring

I loved hearing this account of Whitney’s life with ME/CFS and his father’s work to find a cure. It inspires me to support those suffering and cheer on the scientists working so hard (with limited government support) to find a cure. Whitney, I am praying for you and thinking of you often. To those that suffer: You are not alone, I pray for your comfort, peace and a cure.

A father’s love has no limits!

A genuinely great story about a man who against the odds, became a great scientist on his own and advocate for his ill son.

Heartbreaking truth...a must read.

This is a profound story with no ending yet, but a must read to understand how unfair judgement can destroy a person's hope, which may be the only resource they have to survive this debilitating disease. A life unlived due to illness is difficult beyond belief, but to be berated by the medical profession who takes the oath to do no harm is emotional torture.

Special memories for me about Whitney and Ron.

This book had special memories for me because I worked for Ron Davis in the late 80s. He hired me to assist him in his lab and later I became the lab manager for the Biochemistry Department at Stanford University. I first met Whitney at the Davis home when he was just 3 years old. The book captures the love Ron has for his family and his devotion to Science.

Important information

Reading this very interesting book certainly increased my awareness of this chronic fatigue disease. It made me realize how important it is not to make judgments before knowing the facts, and to listen to advocates for causes such as this. Well written.

ME/CFS

This was incredibly powerful. I had no idea how bad Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can be. Praying for treatments and cures. Narration was slow so I listened at 1.25x.

Important book for anyone trying to understand ME CFS

I am an anesthesiologist and one of my family members has ME CFS. Reading this book gives me hope and makes me not feel alone. I am sorry that the medical profession has failed these patients in so many ways. I have always been committed to treating my patients with ME CFS with respect and to truly listen to their complaints. I hope this book teaches other physicians to do the same. Thank you Tracie, Ron, and Whitney (and Whitney’s mom)
God bless you.

Thought provoking, sensitive, a must read

I am in awe of Whitney and his family, incredibly courageous, selfless. Thanks to HH for writing this to enlighten others about MECFS. May it get the research funds it deserves!