Keeping a Piece of Her

The Joys and Sorrows of My Second Life

Bob Gance

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Paperback

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English

Koehler Books
29 July 2025

Autobiography: science, technology & engineering; Memoirs; Family & relationships

""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."" -Sara Jenkins, author of This Side of Nirvana

""A meaningful look into the life of a transplant patient."" -William Durham, MD, nephrologist, Mountain Kidney and Hypertension, board certified in nephrology

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.

By: Bob Gance
Imprint: Koehler Books
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 9mm
Weight: 209g
ISBN: 9798888247808
Pages: 150
Publication Date: 29 July 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

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.

Reviews for Keeping a Piece of Her: The Joys and Sorrows of My Second Life

""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