Everything Is Gonna Be Alright

Jordan’s journey begins with the memoir of a childhood cancer survivor. The narrative follows Jordan as he endures treatment for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of five, then again at nine when the cancer returns in the form of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The adult Jordan composes his reminiscences with a straightforward simplicity and equanimity that make his youthful struggle all the more poignant. He outlines his course of treatment at nine: chemotherapy, radiation, a stem cell transplant, and all the terrible accompanying side effects of these therapies. He expresses gratitude for his family’s support, his parents’ abiding love, and the care he received from doctors and nurses and teachers.
Rather than chapters, the memoir is organized into short vignettes. This structure gives his reader brief glimpses into his life as a patient and a child. Moments of good humor enter into the account (memories of his picky eating, music playing, and a joyful trip to the fair just for a turkey leg), as do moments of deep sadness (memories of childhood friends-fellow patients during his seemingly endless stays in the hospital-who passed away). Toward the end of the manuscript, a section of his mother’s diary, which is addressed to God, is reproduced. This excursion from Jordan’s point of view to his mother’s is extremely moving and forms a fitting testament to his mother’s care and to the family’s faith. The memoir ends inspirationally, with an account of Jordan’s subsequent achievements and his advice to others who struggle with cancer.