What Don't Kill Me Just Makes Me Strong

What Don’t Kill Me Just Makes Me Strong is a survival memoir that recounts Stewart Francke’s remarkable journey through leukemia and a bone marrow transplant, complications and recovery. Understanding he is, as a survivor, part of the “lucky unlucky,” Francke finds the silver lining in his struggle.

The trip from initial biopsy to full recovery is often horrific, but Francke writes as an unflinching advocate for his own condition, and comes to understand that both surrender and faith are choices. Although this is a somewhat singular journey through illness, faith and family, Francke makes it everyone’s story.

As a young father and renowned musician, Francke describes the relationships with his family, friends, medical team and muse with poignant detail, humor and love. He ultimately comes to treat each breath as a gift, and grows to understand that a life in service to others is a life lived with true purpose.