As a team member of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to spread awareness, advance research, and accelerate knowledge of LFS internationally, I found that Larry Ingrassia’s book, A Fatal Inheritance, is the most comprehensive biography of Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) for the lay reader to date. Though this book reads like a riveting medical mystery, it is also an informative resource for medical students and providers, genetic counselors, and families riddled with early onset, rare, and/or multiple cancers, and even the skeptics in the field of medicine. Among the many issues involved with a cancer diagnosis, Mr. Ingrassia effectively addresses the hot topics of genetic testing and the ethics of genetic technology in the pursuit of a cure.
It was heart-wrenching to read as the author parallels the history of LFS research with the losses to cancer in his own family. Still, it is a heart-warming tribute to all involved – the pioneering founders of LFS and the early researchers, as well as the family members lost. Most importantly, Mr. Ingrassia eloquently offers hope by pointing to the progression of research that has resulted in life-saving early diagnosis through genetic testing and early detection screening. Most powerfully, he affirms that those who have been affected by LFS remain deeply grateful for every member of their family.
– Holly Fraumeni, Vice President – LFS Association
Available to order: A Fatal Inheritance – How a Family Misfortune Revealed a Deadly Medical Mystery, and on Amazon.com, where the book is already an Editor’s Pick for Biographies and Memoirs.
Please note the dates and locations where Mr. Ingrassia will be on book tour in the coming months.
Lawrence Ingrassia is a former business and economics editor and deputy managing editor at the New York Times, having previously spent twenty-five years at the Wall Street Journal, as Boston bureau chief, London bureau chief, money and investing editor, and assistant managing editor. He also served as managing editor of the Los Angeles Times. The coverage he directed won five Pulitzer Prizes as well as Gerald Loeb Awards and George Polk Awards. His first book, Billion Dollar Brand Club, chronicles the rise of popular direct-to-consumer e-commerce brands and was shortlisted for several best business book awards for 2020. His latest book, A Fatal Inheritance, narrates the tale of a team of dedicated researchers who solved the medical mystery behind seemingly unrelated cancers devastating his and other families. Mr. Ingrassia first presented his research at the 6th International LFS Association Symposium held at the National Cancer Institute in October 2022. Mr. Ingrassia is a strong supporter of the LFS Association.