Saving Henry: A Mother's Journey
The subtitle shorthands Strongin’s ongoing battle with her baby Henry’s rare and fatal disease, Fanconi anemia. In 1996, when Henry was six months old, she learned she was pregnant and also her preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), the result of a procedure “combining in vitro fertilization with genetic testing conducted prior to embryo transfer.” PGD could identify and implant an artificially conceived embryo whose umbilical cord blood, collected at birth, and stem cells, transplanted to Henry, could cure Henry’s disease. Laurie and husband Allen were the pioneer PGD couple, unsupported by precedents, support groups, ethical guidelines, or regulations of any sort. Shortly after Jack was born healthy, Mark Hughes, an essential medical-team member, was charged with violating the newly established federal ban on stem cell research, and his previous work was lost. Months passed. Henry’s blood counts fell. Finally, Hughes found work “absent the government’s stranglehold.” Strongin smoothly integrates medical information into this compelling tale of fear, helplessness, frustration, and unflagging love for a beautiful child’s spirit. Sure to inspire many readers. --Whitney Scott