NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, FEB 14
As a society, the most exciting time in any family is preparing for the birth of a child. Similarly we have to prepare for departure from the world. The fact that we will depart someday is established the instant we are born. Death is no great evil, but only a brief pause in our journey, says an oncologist through stories about people who are battling cancer and are terminally ill. This book takes us through a very intimate experience- the death of oneself and of a loved one to help one plan one’s own exit from the world gracefully- dying without fear.
- Dr Kashyap Patel’s book ‘Between Life and Death’ changes attitude towards death
- The book captures real-life stories of extraordinary bravery by cancer patients
“Between Life and Death: ‘From Despair to Hope’ – authored by renowned oncologist from the US Dr. Kashyap Patel is a life changer. The book shares real-life experiences and conversations about thoughts and attitudes towards death witnessed by Dr. Patel from close quarters over the course of his work with cancer patients for more than 20 years.
The book highlights the altruistic and humanistic aspects of the struggle against cancer and recounts the stories of ordinary human beings who put up extraordinary bravery in the face of extreme illness and certain death. It shows how its diagnosis affects emotions, how it creates a cycle of anger, frustration, denial, and eventually acceptance of the situation and learning how to live with the disease in the face of death.
“I came across some exemplary individuals, who chose to accept cancer as an autumn leaf getting ready to fall off a tree and make their transition from the land of manifest existence to return to the place, we all come from. The book’s focus is on philosophical and psychological concerns. This book is to inspire people suffering from cancer and other serious ailments around the world. How does someone look at death, how do they initially avoid thinking about it, how do they feel about it, and what impact does the fear of death have? These are some of the questions the book answers. The book has the potential to fuel a movement that will transform people’s understanding of death,” says Dr. Patel who is the CEO of Carolina Blood and Cancer Care Associates.
The book narrates the process of death, the ultimate reality. From one’s own thoughts about death to the experiences of seeing it in others, the journey is unique and different for everyone. However, everyone has the capacity of choosing how to react to the fear and the challenge death brings. The book helps people think about death carefully and clearly and perhaps realize that death is no great evil, but only a brief pause in our journey.
A certified trainer for physicians with the Education in Palliative and End-of-Life Care, Dr. Patel has been a speaker at several events. He has led committees in numerous South Carolina hospitals and has extensive research experience in the field of oncology. He has also published and presented several articles in journals. He is also a part of US President Joe Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, which is aimed at improving cancer screening, enhancing prevention, supporting patients and survivors, and learning more from people living with cancer.
Published by Penguin eBury Press, Between Life and Death: From Despair to Hope runs 232 pages and is available in popular bookstores as well as on e-commerce platforms.
