Hundreds of Interlaced Fingers

Book excerpt: A doctor shares her unforgettable love story & informative journey into the world of medicine in this “thoughtful and endearing” memoir (Washington Post). When Vanessa met Robert, she had no idea that their relationship would thoroughly transform her life. Robert was suffering from end-stage kidney disease, which required him to endure years of debilitating dialysis in order to stay alive, at least until his failed organ could be replaced by a kidney transplant. Although Vanessa was a primary care doctor, she developed a deeper understanding of the difficulties Robert faced, including dialysis and finding a donor. So, even though they were still in the early stages of their relationship, she volunteered one of her own kidneys for testing and discovered that she was a match. This life-affirming donation forged a bond that would become a pillar of Vanessa and Robert’s marriage—and the beginning of a new career. Motivated by Robert’s experience and her newfound knowledge, Vanessa became a nephrologist—a kidney doctor—and discovered far more about the realities of the specialty. Shaped by Vanessa’s remarkable expertise as a doctor, a woman of color, a mother, and a kidney donor, Hundreds of Interlaced Fingers is a love story as well as an informative guide to kidney disease. Praise for Hundreds of Interlaced Fingers “A story told beautifully, courageously, and honestly. You’ll never forget Vanessa and Robert, and you’ll never view medicine quite the same way again.” —Robert Winchester, MD, author of the New York Times–bestseller The Digital Doctor “Intense, ambitious, and fascinating.” —Victoria Sweet, MD, award–winning author of God’s Hotel