Sugar: A Tale of Motherhood and Medicine

Though Raissa HaCohen says she wrote the book to be cathartic for other parents in a similar situation, and for her son to read in the future..this book is an inspiration for everyone.  It is the story of a young new mother advocating for her child through serious medical problems.  It shows the strength of love and how young parents working together can move mountains for their child.  Raissa is a young newly married women with a good career pregnant with her first child.

Raissa grew up in The United States in New Hampshire.  She attended Brown University and having met her husband on a student trip to Israel has settled in this new country to bring up her family.  In this book, Sugar: A Tale of Motherhood and Medicine.  Raissa shares all the raw, emotional experiences that happen when a routine situation like giving birth take an unexpected turn.  Her son is born with a rare diagnosis, hyperinsulinemia, a disease where the pancreas makes too much insulin.
Interestingly Raissa heads the chapters in this section of the book as Freshman Orientation and Sophomore Orientation.  Because it is like an education that we have never been prepared for that parents enter parenthood.  No matter the health of your child, it is a job that we have not been properly educated for.  In this Raissa and her husband have bigger obstacles to face than most young parents.  Raissa and her husband face them and overcome them with aplomb!

Also it is the story of personal growth in the work place as Raissa also learns to negotiate for herself in the workplace.  She finds her voice and asserts herself to keep and improve her working situation. Again I could read the book without feeling proud of how she handles herself in the workplace.  She is analytical, poised and displays calm, self-assurance, even if she does not feel it inside.  She has learned valuable lessons in how to move ahead in work and how to advocate for her child.

It is a rare, in the moment story, with raw emotion and it is thoughtful examination of life and relationships.  It is about growth and strength.  It is a book anyone can relate to in some way.