What Don't Kill Me Just Makes Me Strong: A Memoir

The Detroit music legend and founder of the Stewart Francke Leukemia Foundation shares his inspiring story of illness, faith, and the drive to survive.   In this candid survival memoir, Stewart Francke recounts his remarkable journey with leukemia through a bone marrow transplant, complications, and eventual recovery. Understanding that his survival makes him part of the “lucky unlucky,” the young father and renowned musician finds the silver lining—and then some—in his struggle.   Francke’s story from initial biopsy to full recovery is often harrowing. Yet it is in the darkest moments that he learns important lessons about survival. Coming to understand that faith is a choice, he also realizes that only death is irrevocable. All else either makes us stronger or becomes part of the gift of life. Beginning each chapter with a brief but powerful lesson in living, Francke’s singular story of illness, faith, and family is also a universal guide for facing adversity.