The Bronze Killer: The Story of a Family's Fight Against a Very Common Enemy - Hemochromatosis

By Marie Warder

Hemochromatosis — not too many people know the definition of the word or realize just how deadly a disease it can be. Marie Warder found out first hand when her husband became sick. For six years, she... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0889258856
• ISBN13: 9780889258853
• Release Date: January 1989
• Publisher: Gordon Soules Book Pub
• Length: 134 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.5" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

I write this with sincere gratirude

Our family came upon this book by more than co-incidence, just at a time when we needed it most. We had been reading a novel in the 'Stories from South Africa' series, by the same author, entitled,'With no remorse' and were intrigued to see a note at the end of it, to the effect that the 'ongoing, non-fiction story' of two of the characters could be found in 'The Bronze Killer'. - What an eye-opener! Not only was the book well-written and utterly absorbing; it provided us with information which has led to the diagnosis of several members of our family. We are so grateful! Also recommended: Enjoyed all the author's other titles, especially 'With no remorse' and 'Storm Water.'

Recently diagnosed hemachromatotic ("tottie")

Every family and every doctor should know about this book. So much suffering could be avoided. I look back at members of my family, and can now identify the "totties". Some had heart problems, some diabetes, some gout/arthritis, some altzheimer-like symptoms, some liver cancer, some bronze skin. I was lucky. This book was instrumental in my insisting on being genetically checked when early symptoms appeared, and before (hopefully) too much damage was done. Robin Camp, Calgary

"The Bronze Killer" by Marie Warder. 2000 Edition

This book is about the killer disease Hemochromatosis (HH) and should be compulsory reading, not only for medical practitioners, but also for sufferers, their immediate relatives, their carers, those interested in hereditary disorders and last but certainly not least by those relatives of sufferers who, for whatever reason, have chosen not to be tested. It is this final group who may owe most to this book - their own lives!To the reader, it becomes so clear that this hereditary disorder and the deadly diseases it can spawn thrive on a camouflage of ignorance.Reading the book set me thinking that every year millions are being spent by the Medical Authorities in the treatment of diseases. Many of these diseases are actually the end result of hemochromatosis which renders the human body incapable of ridding itself of excess iron ("The Bronze Killer") and thus leads to the onset of so many potentially fatal illnesses. It follows that investment in screening for HH should literally save the Medical Authorities substantial sums, not to mention saving the patients and their relatives from so much suffering!The preface to the book contains the following citations:"Thousands of families around the world have already found this book to be a valuable resource. More than just the personal account of a family who have suffered through the ravages of this terrible disease, it has been a source of information, encouragement and enlightenment to many.""Through Marie's research and most noted book "The Bronze Killer", she has educated doctors and the general public about the disease. As a result, hemochromatosis is now recognised as Canada's most common genetic disorder, and routine blood tests for the disease may soon become standard diagnostic procedure."Having obtained a copy of this book (difficult in the UK), I have found this the most compulsive read I have ever encountered. I could not put the book down and read it from cover to cover!.It is clear that, even today, this hereditary disorder remains shrouded in mystery, even in the so called "developed world".The new (2000) edition of this book is written in three sections; the first tells of the struggle of the author (who first coined the phrase "The Bronze Killer") and of her husband Tom who suffered the full effects of HH both before and after he was diagnosed. This part also tells of Marie's struggle for recognition of HH and the setting up of the Hemochromatosis Societies in Canada , South Africa and subsequently the International Association of Societies.In the second part the editor brings forward the developments of the fight from 1988 to October 1999 and in the third part reproduces a booklet written by Marie and entitled "IRON The other side of the story!"In my view this final document is the definitive layman's guide to "Hemochromatosis - The insidious killer".It is said that "knowledge is power", but in the case of hemochromatosis, it could be said that "knowledge is life!"If you are a medi

The book that had to be written

Marie Warder in her outstanding book has done a great service to readers in pointing out the damaging effects of hemochromatosis. As one who has the condition, I found her book to be accurate, informative and inspirational. In Marie's quest for awareness to this often mis-understood condition, she has done a great service to not only the medical community but for all who seek to know more about their health. An extra added dimension to the book is the inspiring way Marie has fought against immense odds to bring awareness of hemochromatosis to countless number of people. I highly recommend this book. I also thank and applaud Marie Warder for her courage in her heroic efforts in fighting this disease and for writing her book--the story that had to be told.

Every member of my family has a copy!

Having just re-read this book for the umpteenth time, I happened to click onto the preceding review. Because there is such a very high incidence of this disorder in our family, we try to keep abreast of current research etc. and were delighted when the World Health Organization called a meeting on "The Prevention and Control of Hemochromatosis" as we really believed that this would result in greater awareness. Aparently not even that - nor the fact that the Centres for Disease Control have declared it to be the most common genetic disease - has caught the attention of the media. Perhaps this is why the previous reader does not know about HH. A doctor at the Mayo Clinic says it has reached epidemic proportions and those of us who have been helped by reading "The Bronze Killer" when even our own family doctors were really in the dark, sypathize with the writer - while commending her for her ceaseless efforts to attain timely diagnosis for those at risk.After discussing the last review with my family, we can only conclude that the reader "skimmed" but did not really read the book. Nowhere could we (who have read it so many times) find any mention as to the fact that the disorder causes gray hair; nor could we discover why he or she seems to think that the disease is related to aging. We have found more then one reference to you people who are victims.I can only say "thank you" to this lady for baring her heart and telling her story so that others might not have to suffer in a similar manner.