As a nurse for nearly fifty years, Keith Cox provided expert care and comfort to countless people facing the unimaginable.
With insight and sensitivity, A Caring Life takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable nursing career and the moving stories of hope, determination and loss that underpinned it. Along the way, he shares lessons gained from a career spent confronting mortality, from finding joy in difficult circumstances to understanding that true strength comes in thinking of others and being part of a community.
Over the years, Keith has seen dramatic advances in medical treatment, as well as the limits of what medical intervention can achieve - which is why compassion and grace are his guiding principles, both on the ward and in his own life.
A Caring Life is the inspirational story of a nursing trailblazer who has learnt firsthand the value of human connection and kindness, in challenging times and in everyday life - and the satisfaction of living a life of service and meaning.
Praise for A Caring Life
'A Caring Life is an appropriate testimony to one of this country's silent heroes. His empathy, knowledge and gentle grace have become hallmarks in the compassionate treatment and care of cancer patients.' - Anthony Warlow AM
'A firsthand account of those dealing with cancer is presented here as a reminder to us that at times of despair, we are not alone.' - Max Cullen
'Keith Cox is the angel you'd hope to have by your bedside when it matters most, that humane and reassuring presence when illness turns the world upside down.' - Matthew Condon
Keith Cox is a highly qualified nurse who has dedicated 50 years of his life to patient care, mentoring cancer nurses, writing research papers and addressing medical conferences around the world. In 2006, he was also the third-ever Australian to become a cancer nurse practitioner and in 2007 was awarded an OAM for his services to nursing and community volunteer work. Keith remains involved with various fundraising committees and charitable organisations, and he volunteers in several capacities.
Grant Jones is a former newspaper and radio journalist, editor and TV researcher and producer, with more than three decades' experience. He now runs his own media consultancy business. Grant lives in Drummoyne with his partner and their teenage son, Louis. Grant joins Keith, who lives a few blocks away, at their local gym three times a week. This is his first book. The inspirational true story of a nurse who has dedicated his life to helping others, and how confronting mortality taught him to live his best life.
