Amherst Mom Publishes Book: 'Anatomy of a Miracle'

One Amherst mom had no way of knowing whether or not her son would survive a rare and life-threatening illness, nor that she would publish a book about his miraculous recovery.

That is just what happened for Jennifer D'Auteuil and her son Drew, who was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia in June 2009. Their struggles with this isolating illness, the many complications they faced and their journey to overcoming it have been chronicled in her recently released book called “Anatomy of a Miracle: Drew’s Story”

D'Auteuil said that is it a little surreal to have her book released, which is an inspirational look at her experiences based on a collection of blog posts she wrote over three years when her son’s outlook was less optimistic than today.

“I can’t believe it actually happened,” she said. “I hope this serves as a guidebook for families who are struggling with this disease and promotes awareness.”

Aplastic Anemia prevents the body from producing new blood cells after bone marrow failure, and leaves it at a higher risk for infection and uncontrolled bleeding. Those diagnosed with this illness must be isolated from the outside world and avoid infection or injury at all costs.

It is that isolation that Drew and his family struggled with as they went to great lengths to ensure he survived. At ten-years-old he could rarely leave the house and see his friends, while his mom worked day and night to create a sterile environment to protect her son.

Drew then managed to make it through serious complications after a bone marrow transplant that gave a small chance of survival. He is now past the worst of it and is able to lead the life of a normal thirteen-year-old boy.

This inspirational story is chronicled from a mother’ eyes and was written to inspire hope in the many families worldwide who are also struggling with this disease.

D'Auteuil’s work is not over with a published book under her belt, which is being sold nationwide on stores like Amazon, Barnes & Noble and even at the Children’s Hospital gift shops. Drew’s story will be the center of the next campaign for AA/MDS International Foundation that will be out in the October publican and website.

She is also scheduled to speak at events and promote the importance of Be The Match bone marrow registry, which offers life-saving marrow to others dealing with these illnesses. In the meantime she will be sharing her story through local and national outlets.

On top of all of this, this dedicated mother is continuing to reach out to other other moms in similar situations through her group called BAND OF MOTHERS in the fight against Aplastic Anemia. This group of women from across the world provide support for each other throughout their struggles.

You can find more information on D'Auteuil’s story and where to purchase the book at www.anatomyofamiracle.com. You too can be the match for somebody in need of bone marrow through the Be The Match website