Steve Buechler - How Steve Became Ralph: A Cancer/Stem Cell Odyssey (With Jokes)

How Steve Became Ralph is an odyssey in every sense of the word. Buechler transforms a devastating cancer diagnosis into a literary quest infused with intelligence, mindfulness, humor, and hope.

Carolyn Redman, Author of News From Lake Boobbegone

A thoughtful encouraging expression of one mans odyssey beyond a diagnosis of leukemia. This is a courageous plowing-through months of testing and treatment supported by family, friends and health care providers. Punctuated by personal insights and small quips of humor, Steve Buechler delves into his physical, psycho-social and spiritual processes as he works with the health care community and a cord blood transplant. A good read for a health care provider, patient, or caregiver.

Roxana Huebscher, PhD, RN, NP and Professor Emeritus, UW Oshkosh

Steve Buechlers How Steve Became Ralph is an unusual cancer memoir as it's not about death and dying rather about living and thriving. The book is filled with life lessons injected with ample doses of the author's quirky sense of humor. A compelling read!

Simi K. Rao, Physician and Author

Steve (or now Ralph) reminds us, healthy or ill, that life, with all its challenges, is worth living. It shows us the importance of seeing the glass half full rather than half empty, the necessity of setting real priorities in our lives and that keeping an open mind for all the goodness that our journey can offer, even in trying situations, can be ultimately rewarding to ourselves and others around us. It also underscores that patients have a major role in their healing process, which cannot be merely passive. More importantly, love from our family members and our friends, and even from our health care providers (and ourselves) can achieve the best possible results. Good reading to re-set perspectives and to help appreciate and treasure our lives, one day at a time.

Gina Cunto-Amesty, MD

Note to Readers

When I was diagnosed with a lethal blood cancer, I was inundated with clinical, technical information about my disease and its prognosis. But what I didnt have was an intimate, personal account of what it might be like to persevere and survive the ordeal. One goal in writing this book is to provide such an account to other patients, as well as their family members, friends, and caregivers. My story also offers medical providers a glimpse into the inner journey patients experience while under their care. And if you have managed to avoid the medical system as patient or practitioner, I offer the book as a cautionary tale and a compendium of some pretty awful jokes.

The ill person who turns illness into story

transforms fate into experience

Arthur Frank, from The Wounded Storyteller