THE BOOK

This is a story of love that could not be conquered by a disease. In a moving memoir, Jacqueline French describes her passage through life, beginning with her own battles and struggles as a young girl and trekking throughout adulthood. Her story leads her through a journey of true love, in which she poignantly describes joyous and painful life experiences.

Her husband, Tom French, a devoted husband, piano-player extraordinaire, and meticulous plastic surgeon, had high hopes for his career and his family until he was diagnosed with A.L.S., also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. A.L.S. is completely debilitating, ultimately causing one to live life on a ventilator, and in most cases leads to death. This disease was the French family’s “beast.”
This story shares how Jacqueline, Tom, and their daughter Lauren learned to love, laugh, and live in the face of adversity and pain. These pages highlight romance, spiritual growth, true friendship, love of life, bond of family, and most importantly, love of God.

This memoir is the prequel/sequel to the family’s documentary film “Mind Games: A Love Story”. From heartbreak and disease, to healing and hope, this book delves into the love and support that it takes to sustain a family amidst the struggles of an incurable disease.