Keeping a Piece of Her

Keeping a Piece of Hericon

by Bob Gance

Publisher
Koehler Books
Publication
Jul 29, 2025
Format
Paperback/Softback
Illustrated
No
Price
17.95
Dimensions
6 x 9
ISBN
9798888247808
Pages
150
Age
Adult 18+
Category
Biographies & Memoirs

Rights Sold

🌍 World Wide Rights Available

Description

Keeping a Piece of Her is the story of a challenging medical diagnosis that led to an improbable life path. Devoted to health and fitness, Bob had completed his first marathon in November 1982. However, Bob soon found he wasn't as healthy as he thought. His kidneys had begun to fail irreversibly due to a genetic condition called Alport syndrome. He was told that, within five years, he would be in "end-stage renal failure." Keeping a Piece of Her tells the compelling story of both the physical and emotional challenges Bob faced during that period and his sister Rita's offer to donate one of her kidneys. In language both warm and witty, Bob relates the joys and challenges of his "second life," including a scary period in which his body had begun to reject Rita's life-giving gift. Fourteen years after giving Bob her kidney, Rita shared a secret that exposed years of deep, personal pain. Ultimately, Keeping a Piece of Her showcases trial, triumph, tragedy, and, above all, abiding love.

Awards & Endorsements

Review
"A true tale of courage, faith, love, and perseverance, written with style and grace, wit and wisdom." -Maria Juarez, retired NYC publishing executive "A poignant story of bodies and souls connected through a rare gift of familial love, told with grace, warmth, and delicious wit." -Sara Jenkins, author of This Side of Nirvana

https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/633438

Author(s)

Bob Gance

Bob Gance faced a life challenge when, at the age of thirty-five, he was told that his kidneys had begun to fail irreversibly. Forty-two years later, Bob continues his strong commitment to health and fitness, thanks to his sister, Rita, and her selfless gift of life. Bob is a retired audiologist, with experience in both a hospital setting and an ear, nose, and throat practice. He's a dedicated gym rat, sings with three different choral groups, volunteers at both his church and life plan retirement community, and enjoys hiking and biking with his wife, JoAnne, on the roads and trails near their home in Asheville, NC.

Related Titles

Mom's Book
Mom's Bookicon
Wendy Goldberg
Living Chronic
Living Chronicicon
Brandy Schantz
Detoured
Detouredicon
Dr. Maisha Laini Grant
...See More
...See Moreicon
Drew Lyons
Call Me Dave
Call Me Daveicon
Denny Lynch
Daughters of the Islands
Daughters of the Islandsicon
Tom Olson, MingBao Yue
Running with Lions
Running with Lionsicon
Pius K. Kamau, MD
Mother Tongue
Mother Tongueicon
Linda Petrucelli