My husband and I were married in October 1995.  Prior to our marriage, we underwent marriage counseling which was standard in the church.  Topics discussed were items that could tear a marriage apart: everything from honesty to terminal illness to death of a child.  Not every possibility would be thought of, but for those that were, it was impossible to find a solution for each one.  The divorce rates were higher than they’d ever been, so it was the pastor’s way of trying to provoke forethought to plan for the possibilities.  We knew that the possibility existed of an ending other than living happily ever after.  However, that didn’t seem like an option.  The scenarios that were discussed included: “What if your spouse would be diagnosed with a terminal illness?” “What if you can’t conceive?” “What if…” “What if…” “What if… and about the only other one they can recall is “What if your child has a major illness or dies?  The death of a child can break a marriage.”  Those few sentences would replay in my mind several times in the years to come, little did I realize at the time.  Times of hardship should be a time of support especially with a spouse.  However, I was about to learn how difficult that would become. 

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My children have craniosynostosis, a condition where the infant skull sutures (openings) fuse early and a secondary condition, chiari malformation, caused by the growing brain pushing its way down the spinal column. With 13 surgeries between my children, I am often asked how we managed daily life along with the difficult diagnoses and seemingly endless trips to the operating room.  Finding help did not come easily.  I trusted her instincts and pushed on, focusing on my children’s health and leaning on sources of strength.  The conditions could be fixed once we found a doctor who knew how to help.  Our continued search led to Dr. Ben Carson, Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital: our angel in disguise.  My children would have suffered gravely without the treatment they so desperately needed.

As Dr. Carson states in his foreword, "In Light Will Emerge, Kaci King has provided a wonderful mechanism to gain foreknowledge of the difficulties of navigating the medical system…” There is hope even in the worst of situations, blessings when most aren’t sure any exist.  Life is about attitude.  I was taught that for every action, there is a reaction, good or bad.  I share my family’s journey: how we coped; how we found their inner strength; and how not knowing what else to do, we prayed.   A wealth of information if offered explaining the medical conditions, websites and online support groups. Through this book, light is shed on what helped us overcome obstacles, how we found strength during difficult times, and encourages others who may feel hopeless.  The heartache and many blessings received throughout this journey are also shared.

This book will take you through our journey of thirteen surgeries in just a few years, countless doctor appointments including the discovery of diagnoses, treatments and options for our children’s conditions.  Finding help did not come easily.  Our continued search led them several states away to Dr. Ben Carson, Chief of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital: our angel in disguise.  We almost lost our son, and would have lost our daughter as well, had our children not received the treatment they so desperately needed.

Carol Snyder, author
12/4/2008

"Kaci King has written an important book that will inspire and guide parents through the emotional and exhausting process of finding the right doctor for a child or children in need. It will strengthen spirit in the process."