Product Description
Rusty Hammer is an inspiration
We have watched his battle with admiration, for it is a tribute to the human spirit, and to the dignity and courage of a good man. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa， City of Los Angeles Shortly after his fiftieth birthday in 2003, Rusty Hammers life irrevocably changed. Diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukemia, he had two choices: fight or give in. And he chose to fight. When Cancer Calls
Say Yes to Life shares Rusty Hammers courageous journey through cancer. With rare candor, Hammer describes how he faced his future with hope instead of succumbing to the blackness of despair. Hammer illustrates how imperative it is to live our lives to the… More >>
I met Rusty in Fall of 2007, when he worked with a group at Los Gatos High School (CA) putting on Wit, the Pulitzer Price winning play about a 50 year old professor of John Dunne, who is diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. His humility, yet passion for life and continued willingness to give amazed me. I bought his book during his first book signing event, and read it right after that. It was like the man in person, full of transparency, openness about the tough road he travelled, and very useful advice for fellow travelers. When I went to his memorial, the auditorium was filled to capacity with people he touched through all stages of his life.
A little more than a year later I was diagnosed with a cancer not quite as difficult as his, but the road is not an easy one. I reread his book, and it is always by my bedside, more poignant than ever. It gives both practical advice, and shares his spirit of hope and saying ‘yes’ to life.
I would unreservedly recommend it to anybody interested in what cancer is like from a patient perspective, and how to deal with it both practically and spiritually written in a clear and direct, yet personal way.
Rating: 5 / 5
Rusty’s book is a candid account of his experience living with cancer. It reflects his spirit and enthusiasm for life. Rusty lived every day to its fullest until he passed away on January 28th, 2008. He will be missed but will live on through this fabulous story.
Rating: 5 / 5