Product Description
The tragedy of cystic fibrosis has been touchingly recounted before, but this is the first book to portray the symbiotic relationship between twins who share this life-threatening disease through adulthood. Isabel Stenzel Byrnes and Anabel Stenzel tell of their struggle to pursue normal lives while grappling with the realization that they might die young. Their story reflects the physical and emotional challenges of a particularly aggressive form of CF and tells how the twins bicultural heritage Japanese and German influenced the way they coped. The Power of Two is an honest and gripping portrayal of day-to-day health care, the impact of chronic illness on marriage and family, and the importance of a support network to continuing survival. These two remarkable sisters have much to teach about the power of perseverance and about the ultimate power of hope.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 17 reviews)

You'll Never Take the Gift of Life for Granted Again

In "The Power of Two: A Twin Triumph over Cystic Fibrosis," we meet identical twins, Isabel and Anabel Stenzel, who were born with a deadly disease: cystic fibrosis (CF). As adults, the sisters underwent the only "cure" for CF -- lung transplantation -- and are now living their lives at full-speed after childhoods dominated by chest percussions and drug therapy, numerous and lengthy hospitalizations, constant medical scrutiny, and watching their friends with CF die at young ages. "The Power of Two" is a beautifully written book that will amaze you with its brutal honesty, move you to tears, and inspire you to count your blessings. The remarkable Stenzel twins have an extraordinary lesson to teach us all: never give up, live life to the fullest, and don't take the incredible gift of breath for granted. Their story will linger in your heart long after you've closed this book.
June 13, 2008

The Power of Two: A Twin Triumph over Cystic Fibrosis

What a powerful book! The twins take you through a very tough physical journey of their lives. I could not put this book down, and I would be shocked if it did not touch your heart. This book is truly inspiring!
May 27, 2008

Amazing depiction of their interesting lives

I agree with what Tiffany wrote before me. I'm also an adult with CF, just hit 30. I had considered writing my own little CF memoir, but these girls did such an awesome job with their vivid depiction of their experiences, thoughts and emotions throughout their lives, they covered it all. Their journey brings you into the world of all stages of CF from everyday maintenance to near death experiences, how it's changed since the 70's, the treatments, the pain and the joy in meeting others in this special CF club. As others have said, this book covers so much more. With a German father and Japanese mother, they take you through life as biracial twins in America and Japan, their travels around the world, and the amazing support they found in family and eachother, then much much later boyfriends. Their story is brutally honest about their experiences, and they've had some tough ones. What I loved most was this honesty and ability to infuse some funny in their situations and not take themselves too seriously. It's refreshing. The narration of their mother was hilarious, even though she's their biggest supporter it seems. My only complaint is I'm jealous they went to CF camp and met Bob Flanagan, the camps were gone by the time I knew they existed.

Brilliant girls, thank you!
April 08, 2008

A Tour De Force: Honest & Hopeful

Wow. The twins' story about growing up with cystic fibrosis, their biracial family, and succeeding in going to college, finding love and ultimately receiving lung transplants is profoundly moving. Their honesty about their good (and not so good) experiences, particularly with their parents and brother, and later with boyfriends, is absolutely gripping. Their persistence and hope in the face of repeated challenges, conveyed in a well-written narrative, is awesome and makes this book a great read for anyone facing challenges or wanting inspiration.
March 01, 2008

A story of strength- Couldn't put it down

This book gives great courage to its readers. It is at once a tale of Ana and Isa's triumph over Cystic Fibrosis and their triumph over the struggle that is life itself. Their decision to live as victors, to engage life fully and to find value and meaning in the midst of great storms is powerful. I have found strength in this book for my own personal trials and believe that others who read it will be equally moved. This is a perfect book for those who are struggling with personal health issues, for young adults and adolescents, for people in the health industry and for educators who wish to enlighten themselves and their students on chronic illnesses, living with disabilities and issues of biculturalism.
An amazing read. I simply could not put it down.
February 15, 2008

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