The Story about Ben Carson - Book Report/Review Example

Number: OBSTACLES IN BEN CARSON’S LIFE Sonya Copeland, Carsons mother, married Robert Solomon Carson, a Baptist minister. Sonya was just thirteen years by the time the two got married. The couple begot two boys, Curtis, and Benjamin Solomon, but while Ben was eight, his parents separated. Sonya Carson was, therefore, left with the burden to raise the two sons single handed. Sonya Copeland shifted to Boston with the boys in order to be closer to the family, although not longer than a year did they spend in Boston before returning to Detroit. Sonya Copeland took two or three cleaning jobs each time in order to provide for the children. Carson, comments in his writings, that his mother was the rock of the family even in the toughest times. Ben was never regarded a good student; however, when he went back to Michigan elementary school, the reality hit him, that he lagged far behind in grades. A joke was cracked by his classmates, that Ben Carson was the world’s dumbest kid. Higgens Elementary school was hard on Ben, since the institution presented a predominance of whites; Ben was amongst the few students of the ethnic group African American. Ben was ignored by teachers and taunted by the very schoolmates. Ben Carson faced another hindrance, which threatened to overcome Ben; violent temper. At times, anger in him could be provoked through teasing, while at times he would lash out for insignificant things. While just fourteen, Ben Carson stabbed one of his friends just because the friend, a boy, had tuned the radio station. The incident caused Ben Carson to be terrified, therefore, realizing just as he is quoted to have revealed to Current Science, he was ultimately headed for jail, or the grave. Consequently, Ben Carson became prayerful, and learned how to pursue peace within himself and with others. To date, Ben Carson prays every day, before, as well as after each surgery. Why and How Reading Gifted Hands Becomes Relevant The book contains sound themes like the motivational theme, the evangelical tone throughout the book, Gifted Hands. The role of religion in medicine emerges an area of interest in the book. Carson raises a banner concerning the medical ethics, in the manner in which he conducts a series of surgeries. Gifted Hands presents a story of remarkable men, and therefore the act of paraphrasing the ad; such a brain presents a terrible substance to waste. Additionally, themes of Love and loyalty have been featured throughout the Ben Carson’s work, Gifted Hands. These two themes are particularly discussed within the first several chapters where Carson usually talks regarding his family. Ben reveals how much he loved his father, and so was the mother; the mother had to let the father go since he led a double life. The reading of the book would help engage readers through section by section, as events in the book unravel. Additionally, Ben Carson emerged from humble beginnings; he together with Cecil Murphy, a ghostwriter, presents a description on Carson’s journey of becoming a renowned pediatric neurosurgeon, all contained in the story Gifted Hands. Ben Carson’s mother became the center of Ben’s early life. Via her determination, intelligence, and strength, and inspite of little education as well as striving with mental illness, the mother managed to instill a mighty work ethic in the life of his son’s life. The mum taught Ben in setting high standards for himself. In every level of the academic profession, Ben Carson began as a mediocre or below-average in performance. However, through a lot of hard work, Carson eventually progressed through the ranks emerging at the top. Two cases Carson’s cases in detail. In 2003, Ben Carson separating two- conjoined adult twins; Ladan and Laleh Bijani; the twins were conjoined at the head, and were twenty-nine years when the decision of having them separated was reached. The separation of craniopagus adult twins had not been tried out, since the projected outcome was mostly death for involved patients. Even Ben, who was always optimistic, had no certainty on the results of the operation. The operation was conducted with the consent of all parties involved. Being aware on what was awaiting them, Ladan and Laleh wanted to be independent, and thus told Carson, that they would rather lose life, than face a new day together. The associated risks, in this context would cover during as well as after the act of separation. Issues of surgical complications and anesthesia also arise. During surgery, the twins received anesthesia through the use of two distinct sets of equipment. The mentioned surgical complications included blood clotting within the newly formed blood vessels, heart infection and complications, as well as intracranial bleeding. The twins were subjects to the critical period; seventy two to ninety two hours after surgery. According to Ben Carson, the twin’s age presented additional risks; both the twins’ adult brains, though distinct, had wasted a great deal; the plasticity which may be essential in recognizing functional areas. The adult twins were at a high risk of suffering the psychological effect considerably more than children. Carson, together with a team encompassing more than hundred specialists, surgeons, and assistants performed the operation which took fifty two hours. The operation was conducted in Singapore, Southeast Asia, July 8, 2003. The team used an imaging technique of 3-D imaging concept which Carson had developed while operating the Zambia’s twin, Banda. Although the skulls of Laleh and Ladan were fused side-to-side, they had distinct brains, therefore making it possible for surgical. Since the twin shared significant vascular structures, such as the sagittal sinus, and the major blood system serving the brain. The team had to re-route flow of blood within both brains, may be though grafting of blood vessels obtained from other body parts - of their bodies. The operation was successful, but the twins died afterwards. In 1987, Ben Carson separated twins from Ulm, Germany, Patrick and Benjamin Binder. Patrick and Benjamin were craniopagus twins, implying that section of the union was at the head. Although almost every doctor was skeptical, Carson, however, consented to conduct the surgery. Since the point of the union was at the back, and since their brains were separate, Ben Carson was convinced that the operation would be successfully. Carson puts it, while interviewed by Current Science, that in his field, one has to take all “comers.” Ben Carson and the other medical counterparts had embarked on five months preparations before the surgery, the activity that included conducting several dress rehearsals. The operation was successful, and the two boys were separated; the blood flow was checked, tasks of untangling, dividing, as well repairing blood vessels which were shared. However, the twins got brain damage, but successfully separated. How Gifted Hands applies in personal life. The book teaches valuable morals such as: caring, goodness, determination, responsibility, perseverance, talent and success. Far above professionalism, Ben Carson teaches strong virtues to be emulated. His devotion is inspiring, especially when he acknowledges the sovereignty of the Supreme God. The philosophy, that in his profession, he accepts all outcomes. Ben Carson has started nonprofit organizations which strive to assist children with difficulties in pursuing their studies. He motivates them through rewards, spending about $1000 for such a commitment. This act teaches charity work and sacrifice, in an effort of assisting others achieve their dreams. The record of Carson’s academic performance presents a situation of not losing hope when at times my effort remains unnoticed. With the adoption of right strategies, success is always achieved. Parents play a key role in shaping the future of their children, as Sonya instilled reading culture and sound religion in the lives of her sons. Since becoming one of the few scientists or surgeons was a very difficult achievement, stories of success like Gifted Hands, in spite of antisocial behaviours, can give an inspirational, as well as an engaging reading. The book gives a relevant advice, that if we define categories for people, while too early, on the basis of background or performance, this would be the act of losing the best of such young and potential minds. Everyone, actively engage in supportive efforts in order to search throughout the society, some individuals might require a little additional push before soaring on their own. Work Cited Carson, Ben and Murphey, Cecil B. Gifted Hands. The Ben Carson Story. Zondervan Book, 1990. Read More