Notes Left Behind

Written by Brooke Desserich and Keith Desserich

Narrated by T. Ryder Smith and Coleen Marlo

“Elena has left behind a story of resilience, hope and most of all, love. We can’t help but take her into our hearts, and carry the best of her into our own lives.”

—Jeffrey Zaslow, coauthor of The Last Lecture

 

Notes Left Behind by Brooke and Keith Desserich began as a journal they kept after their five-year-old daughter Elena was diagnosed with brain cancer and given just 165 days to live. As poignant and inspiring as Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture, it is the story of the courage of a truly remarkable little girl who accomplished so much in so little time—and of her parents’ love and dedication to their child and their family. New York Times bestselling author James Patterson was profoundly moved by Elena’s beautiful life and Notes Left Behind, calling it, “a stunning story that teaches us how precious children, family, and life are, and that the sacrifices we make are worth it. I won’t forget the Desserich family, and neither will you.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Oct 27, 2009
• ISBN: 9780061963995

Brooke Desserich

Brooke and Keith Desserich live in Cincinnati with their daughter, Gracie. They have several businesses, but their main professions are as a mother and a father. With the help of family and many friends, they founded The Cure Starts Now, a revolutionary cancer foundation dedicated to a "home run" cure strategy for all cancers, starting first with one of the most deadly and difficult cancers: pediatric brain cancer.

Reviews for Notes Left Behind

[mytwomonkeys · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

After reading this book, I feel like the Desserichs are old friends and I share the loss of their daughter Elena. They have to be incredibly strong parents to be able to share their innermost thoughts and experiences with the world. The way they write just invites you to be a part of their family. My heart goes out to them and their daughter Gracie for their tremendous loss. I recommend this book to everyone and am drawn to support their foundation and pediatric brain cancer.

[berthacummins · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Although 6 year-old Elena is dying from an uncurable brain tumor, she has a certain child-like innocence and cheerful spirit about her that is uplifting to those around her. She leaves notes with hearts and her childlike scribble for those who whe loves and leaves behind - her mom, dad and sister, Gracie. It is very well written and an inspirational read.

[chl49 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Such a touching story, a book that I could not put down. It made me cry, and it even made me laugh. Most importantly, it reminded me to cherish every moment I have with my children.The story is about a child, Elena, who has pediatric brain cancer. The book was written by her family and documents their journey though this horrific disease. This book is sure to be a best seller. I highly recommend this book.

[voracious_reader_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Inspired by notes that a six-year old daughter left behind for her parents to discover. I can understand why her parents wanted to write it but it was really difficult to digest as a reader. It's horrible that any family would have to watch their child live with or die from any disease like cancer, but this isn't the sort of book that I would recommend for others unless they're looking for solace, having lost young family members to a degenerative disease. I know some find the book inspiring, but it hit me differently; I found it to be overwhelmingly sad.

[berthashaver · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Although 6 year-old Elena is dying from an uncurable brain tumor, she has a certain child-like innocence and cheerful spirit about her that is uplifting to those around her. She leaves notes with hearts and her childlike scribble for those who whe loves and leaves behind - her mom, dad and sister, Gracie. It is very well written and an inspirational read.

[csaulpaugh-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the AMAZING true story of a brave little girl named Elena given the horrible diagnosis of DIPG, a terminal brain cancer. This diary-style book, written by Elena's loving parents, documents Elena's courageous battle with cancer. Even as Elena's body began to shut down, her spirit shown brighter than ever. This book was a roller-coaster of emotions. I would be laughing one moment and then crying the next.