Hope Fights Back

Fifty Marathons and a Life-or-Death Race Against ALS

By: Meredith Atwood co-author, Andrea Lytle Peet

Narrated by: Meredith Atwood, Andrea Lytle Peet

The incredible story of a young woman living with ALS, who defies all odds by finishing fifty marathons and, in turn, inspires people to “go on, be brave.”

Andrea Lytle Peet was thirty-three years old—an urban planner living in D.C., newly married, and a triathlete—when she received the death sentence of an ALS diagnosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease). After grappling with the fact that she will likely become paralyzed and die within two to five years, Andrea experienced an unexpected spark that changes her outlook in the most magnificent way.

Inspired by Jon Blais, famous for finishing the IRONMAN World Championship while fighting the same disease, Andrea sets an "impossible" goal to become the first person with ALS to complete a marathon in all fifty U.S. states on her recumbent trike—since she is no longer able to run. In her mission, Andrea recaptures the freedom that racing always gave her and inspires others to appreciate what our bodies can do. Her mindset shifts to accepting that although she is dying faster than she might have otherwise, we are all on the same path. Andrea, along with her husband and ALS community, prove that we all have choices in how we spend our precious lives—no matter what challenges we face.

Hope Fights Back chronicles what happens when we choose to live instead of waiting to die. It is a "love letter to life" and a beautiful love story between Andrea and her husband, David. Andrea’s words are awe inspiring for athletes and nonathletes alike. The listener intimately witnesses Andrea’s tenacity, determination and bravery, not only in accomplishing her fifty marathons goal, but in her day-today life with ALS. In a world where “hope” sometimes feels quiet and aspirational, Andrea reveals that hope is, instead, a valiant warrior that changes everything when it fights back.

In Hope Fights Back, listeners will be empowered by Andrea's force as an athlete and a woman fighting the battle of her life. For fans of Until I Say Goodbye, Let Your Mind Run and Between Two Kingdoms, Hope Fights Back is a magnetic and radiant story filled with soul-baring honesty, love and true grit.

In a bonus interview, Andrea's husband interviews her about the creation of this book.

©2023 Andrea Lytle Peet and Meredith Atwood (P)2023 Recorded Books

Incredible hope and an incredible life

I’m privileged to call Andrea Peet a friend. This book is the incredible, true story of her life with ALS so far, and I can honestly say that her personality and love of life shine through every page.

ALS is a brutal, awful illness that kills most patients within 2 to 5 years of diagnosis. Andrea’s symptoms came on so quickly and forcefully that she and her doctors initially feared that she would be on the short end of that window. But she didn’t die, and she didn’t give up on living. She has spent the last 9 years since her diagnosis completing a marathon in each of the 50 states (plus one bonus!), starting her own foundation, raising more than a million dollars for ALS research, writing this book, and working on a documentary (“Go On, Be Brave”) of incredible hope and resilience.

Andrea is an inspiration, and this book captures a glimpse of that beautifully. Cannot recommend strongly enough.

Inspired me to get off my ALS a$$

One year ago this month, I was diagnosed with ALS. A 38 year old mom of two, my world was flipped upside down. I didn’t know how I was going to pull myself out of the dark place I fell into. Slowly, I did come around but I haven’t felt inspired to actually do something, to stop feeling sorry for myself (although this is still okay sometimes), and make a difference; to be brave. For the first time in a year I feel a little spark, a glimmer of hope. I feel in control of what I do with my remaining time. I even might get a trike! I did love biking before als, so why not! Thank you, Andrea (and David) for being brave, for sharing your story, for being you. You have made a difference in my life, and I can’t wait to get my first swallow tattoo!

A book that stays with you.

I didn’t know a lot about ALS, but I read the book after a glowing recommendation from a friend.
This book has stayed with me. One feels all of the emotions including heartbreak, joy, and inspiration.
This book has given me purpose in not only striving for the best in my life but in supporting ALS causes and the fight to end this horrid disease.
It’s not often that a book is life changing, but this one is.

Life changing!

This book is certainly testimony to living life fully, despite obstacles encountered. The interview at the end was powerful!
Sharing!

The power of hope

This book is so real and motivating. It will make you laugh and cry. But as a book about someone with a fatal disease it’s not sad, instead it’s full of hope and inspiration. A must read.