Book Review: ‘Danielle: A Story of Surrender and Trust’

As Christians we are called to surrender our sufferings and live as Christ. (1 Peter 4:1-2 “Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, for whoever suffers in the flesh has broken with sin.”)

In reading “Danielle: A Story of Surrender and Trust,” we find a clear example of what surrendering sufferings and living as Christ might involve. This true story is heartbreaking and humbling, yet full of hope.

It is a story of 7-year-old Danielle’s short life as experienced and shared by her mother, Myra J. Martinez. It is written in a way that takes us with Myra on a journey experiencing both sadness and joy as young Danielle courageously battles cancer.

The book can be found on Amazon or anywhere that books are sold.  And I highly recommend it as an inspiring read.

Myra and her high school sweetheart, Philip, married shortly after graduating. They moved to St. Louis so Philip could pursue his dream of someday becoming a chiropractor. Shortly after Philip’s graduation they moved to back to Oklahoma City to open his chiropractic business and be closer to family. 

Myra and Philip’s first child, Danielle, was born on Sept. 17, 1987, and when she was 1 year old, a small lump was discovered on her body, requiring surgery. This would be the beginning of her long cancer journey.

When Danielle was 4, she was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. She would begin two and 1/2 years of chemotherapy and spinal taps. She would also face bouts with mononucleosis, chicken pox and painful shingles. 

Throughout the journey, Danielle maintained good spirits, yet also experienced periods of depression and sadness from being separated from family and friends. She remained resilient by praying for the souls in purgatory and by drawing inspiration from reciting a chaplet to her favorite saint, Saint Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower. She also loved to draw religious pictures and pray the devotion to The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Over time, Philip and Myra were blessed with additional children, which added challenges. Myra tried to devote most of her attention to Danielle’s needs of body, mind and spirit. Philip, though very busy with the demands of his new business, would help with the other children as much as possible. Myra’s and Philip’s parents, friends and their church family stepped in to help as much as they could.

Through this challenge, Danielle continued to surrender her sufferings to God.

Danielle’s cancer was in remission for more than two years, however, with only two weeks of chemotherapy treatments remaining, Danielle, then 7, returned from school one day complaining of pain in her leg. Medical tests revealed that her body had relapsed, and the cancer returned with a vengeance.  

At this point, there were only two options of treatment available. Regular chemotherapy treatments could be continued with a 20% survival rate, or, a bone marrow transplant that might provide a 50% survival. The family decided to pursue the bone marrow transplant and a perfect donor was identified, with the procedure giving the family new hope.

But five days later Danielle passed away in the presence of her loving family. 

It is hard to comprehend the sad loss of a young child no matter the circumstances. Danielle suffered tremendously, yet she blessed us with a clear example for how we can surrender our sufferings and maintain trust in God.

Myra has provided us with a wonderful heart-touching story. And with a loving perspective on Danielle’s sufferings and death by her statement, “Our loss is his gain.”

John H. Dolezal is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.