Chasing My Cure

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This powerful memoir chronicles the journey of a young doctor and former college athlete who, after being diagnosed with a rare disease, became a champion for a new approach to medical research. David Fajgenbaum, once a Georgetown quarterback known for his mental stamina, faced a dramatic turn when he experienced severe fatigue that led to organ failure. As he hovered near death, doctors struggled to diagnose his condition. Miraculously, he survived but continued to suffer from relapses of Castleman disease, a rare and deadly illness resembling both cancer and an autoimmune disorder. Realizing the medical community might not act swiftly enough to save him, Fajgenbaum took matters into his own hands. Between hospitalizations, he studied his medical records and blood samples, seeking clues for a new treatment. With support from family, friends, and fellow patients, he developed an ambitious plan to crowdsource research questions and recruit top scientists to address them. After five years of relentless effort, he identified a treatment that led to a tentative remission. His innovative approach to collaborative scientific inquiry has set a new standard for advancing rare disease research. Fajgenbaum's inspiring story highlights the power of hope and the impact of determination, love, and serendipity.