Featuring stories of hope and redemption, as well as untold suffering and mismanagement, this unique account could only have been written by one who has for decades performed incredible feats of altruism. And saving lives requires difficult choices. How are life-or-death choices made in the heat of the moment? What are the consequences of your action, or inaction? Is it better at times to do nothing? How do you live with yourself if you want to help but can’t? This is a frank account of the personal toll frontline medicine levies on those who choose to do it. But ultimately, it offers a tale of optimism, persistence and triumph over adversity, speaking to the resilience and fortitude of those who help and those whose lives they save.