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Melanie Snyder, Schenectady Gazette, July 11, 2026
Nurse’s memoir tells of her family’s journey with childhood cancer
When Donna Giffune had a feeling that something was wrong with her young son in 1992, she says her concerns were initially dismissed. "You're just a concerned mother who happens to be a physical therapist," she recalls her physician telling her after she raised concerns about her son, Ben.
"I was stunned," she said. "I didn't know what disqualified me of that statement to advocate for my child."
Six months later, after continuing to push for answers, Giffune secured a CT scan for Ben at Albany Medical Center. By September of 1992, doctors confirmed her fears that Ben had a brain tumor.
...The book is a reflection on caregiving and faith that recounts a deeply personal family story of over three decades of navigating childhood cancer. The memoir follows Ben's diagnosis, treatment and recovery...Giffune said her experience with her son transformed her as both a healthcare professional and a mother...After her son's diagnosis, Giffune was determined to become the strongest advocate possible and returned to school several times earning a master's degree in teaching and a registered nursing degree."I learned a lot, from both sides of a hospital bed."
“Today, I describe my son as living proof that a difficult beginning does not define a person’s future.”
“I just wanted to give people hope.”
"Ben's is just a remarkable human being. I got to be on the ride with him......"
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After all, love is all we got and everything we need.