Forged Through Fire

A Reconstructive Surgeon's Story of Survival, Faith, and Healing

By: Mark D. McDonough MD

Narrated by: Jim Meskimen

When Mark McDonough was a teen, a catastrophic fire claimed the lives of his mother and younger brother. It also left Mark with burns on over 65 percent of his body. During a long and painful recovery, his faltering faith in God was strengthened by a remarkable near-death experience. Inspired to pursue a career as a plastic surgeon to help those who suffer as he has, McDonough has overcome numerous other adversities on his journey, including addiction and a stroke. Now he shares his incredible true story of survival and perseverance to bring hope and healing to those dealing with great physical and emotional pain.

Anyone who has suffered or watched a loved one suffer from a personal trauma, disease, or loss that has tested or stolen their faith and exhausted their emotional resources will find real hope in this redemptive story.

©2019 Mark D. McDonough (P)2019 Backstone Audio, Inc.

Really good story about perseverance!

Amazing how much human beings can walk through as long as you walk with God. Thank you for having the courage to share your story Sir. God Bless

Amazing Life

The author is the survivor of pain and suffering and loss that seem too much to bear. Yet he has led an amazing life that is an inspiration to others. The narrator was completely convincing, as it seemed like he was really the person undergoing this amazing life.

incredible Story

Detailed account of lows and highs of horrific events. Frustrating narration. Key medical terms mispronounced.

Outstanding

Well written and well read. I could easily relate to having an alcoholic parent, but luckily other circumstances and events changed my path. That helped me to turn my younger brother. Neither of us got caught in that trap thanks be to GOD. I can't help but think some of Mark's medical problems could have been avoided if he had seen a Chiropractor. I am really rejoicing that he allow God to be the boss in his practice. Great book.

Excellent testimony of faith and perseverance!!

The author is honest, transparent and exceptionally descriptive of all of his tradegy, trials and triumphs. His testimony is an excellent discourse on the faithfulness of God. There are only a few books that I reread annually, this will definitely be one of them. Bravo!!!

Amazing & Inspiring story but writing could have been better

The writer has such an inspiring story and attitude. I found it encouraging to see how he kept turning to God in spite of all the tragedies and trials he faced and continues to face in his life. However, I feel that the book could have been written better—especially the second half of the story. It felt like chapters of a lot of telling instead of showing. And to be honest the years of his doing physical therapy and long process of becoming a doctor were not very interesting reading. I wanted to hear more stories of interactions with individuals patients and how his unique perspective and gifts impacted their lives.

This was very inspirational

God is good all the time. All the time God is good. You are a remarkable man.

Inspiring & riveting true story

Dr. McDonough's attitude and perseverance is a testament to his strong faith and courage. Rarely have I read of anyone who underwent the extent of physical trauma so young and so often, yet was able to overcome and help so many others. The story is detailed and long but I never was tempted to stop listening. I had originally thought it was all about a person surviving being burned over 60% of their body and later becoming a plastic surgeon. It is SO much more than that. Not only were there various non-burn related physical obstacles, but family and situational difficulties to overcome. And overcome he did. Not only did McDonough survive but he thrived, enjoying sports, great friendships and a close family. There is a lot of medical detail, which might bother some, but I found it very educational. One of the best books I have listened to.

Real, Raw, and yet Inspiring

This is a tremendous story about perseverance through incredibly difficult circumstances and losses. But it doesn’t leave you feeling hopeless or forgotten. Rather, one embraces life and the Life-Giver through each challenge the author must face, and comes away in awe of Abba Father and the life he or she is gifted with regardless of its twists and turns.

Faith, Yet True Reality of Human Weakness, and Strength Through God

Very encouraging testimony of life survival through many struggles and hardships. Testimony of Strength from God to persevere through life’s darkest moments. Gratitude for all the love and forgiveness forged through life’s tragedy and traumas.