Product Description

Mark Prater faced a silent killer in Hepatitis C, an insidious disease that slowly consumed his health until he fought back with all the weapons of modern medicine. The struggle to regain his vitality proved as harsh as the disease itself, and, in Mark’s own words, seemed a burden nearly too heavy to bear. Mark’s story focuses not just on his illness, but on his faith, which in the depths of his illness led him to discover a deeper relationship with God. Public and private prayers for Mark and his family came from tens of thousands of sympathetic fans across the Southeast (Mark is a popular local television personality). Mark’s physical and spiritual fight against Hepatitis C taught him patience and, more importantly, faith in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Presently, Mark is free of the disease, his body leansed by a painful assortment of medicines and his soul healed by the cleansing power of prayer. Mark’s story offers inspiration to other sufferers looking for a way out of the depression and fear that conspire together in any long-term illness.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #881501 in Books
• Published on: 2005-02-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 158 pages

Customer Reviews

Silent Storm
Silent Storm is the perfect title for a book about Hepatitis C. Not only is Hepatitis C quickly spreading throughout the world, it is a disease we do not talk about openly. Two men who are not swayed by societal stigma are Mark Prater and Chris Carden. These authors openly tell the story of one family's journey through this devastating illness and describe the emotional side effects that are caused by its treatment. While this subject matter could have been too painful to read, the authors' focus on the blessings of family and friends, as well as, the family's ultimate faith in God make Silent Storm an informative and truly inspiring tale.

There is something about sharing a common experience with another person that somehow brings comfort, peace and the feeling that you are not alone. I read Silent Storm a month after my husband finished his treatment for Hepatitis C. Reading about the experiences of Mark and Carol Prater helped me begin my own healing process. Right now, my 13-year-old daughter is reading the book. My 15-year-old son will read it next. I thought that reading about how another family dealt with the situation would be helpful, especially the explanations about the changes in personality that occur during treatment. It was difficult for our teenagers to understand and accept the drastic differences in their father. Their heads understood that the changes in his personality were due to the medication, but their tender hearts could not help but to be hurt. Silent Storm may allow them to separate the side effects of the treatment from the man that continues to be their father.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has a family member, friend or co-worker with Hepatitis C. The story told will help readers understand that the negative side effects they see are not a reflection of the person they know and love. They are a reflection of a person struggling to be what they once were. Silent Storm shows us all that the struggle is worth fighting and that it is only through patience, love, and faith does one reach that goal.

A truly moving and inspiring story
This is an important book for anyone battling Hepatitis. Mark's story is fascinating. You truly feel the emotional and psychological turmoil that Mark, his wife, his children, family and friends felt. Mark's insights into the world of television news and the interplay between battling a chronic disease and remaining in the public eye are inspiring. His faith and devout spirituality along with his sheer willpower to overcome send an important message to anyone battling Hepatitis or any other chronic disease.

Silent Storm Finding Spiritual Shelter During Hepatitis C
Silent Storm takes you on a journey into the world of a Christian, who through no fault of his own, contracted and literally "fought" Hepatitis C. It expels myths about the disease and provides much needed facts. The language used makes it an easy read while it's fast pace and descriptive language holds your undivided attention. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. It helped me understand how widespread Hepatitis C is, as well as, how it can be prevented and treated. Since drug usage and sexual activity may begin at an early age, this book can be used at the elementary school level yet it is not so simple as to "turn off" the highly educated. It could be used in an English class, a health class, a Sunday School class or with a youth group. It has the makeup of a good film and would be very helpful in educating incarcerated offenders. As Mark Prater undergoes diagnosis, treatment and prognosis, as the reader I felt as if I was experiencing what he and his family were going through. As he experienced depression and struck out at his family, I knew in my heart that they were able to remain accepting and loving because they loved him with the agape love of God. It was heart wrenching when Mark was ready to give up only one month short of completing his treatment. This demonstrates the ghastly effects of this disease and the treatment. I found myself on an emotional roller coaster as I traveled through this journey with Mark Prater and his family. The end of the book contains questions and answers involving Mark's doctors, which are very "down to earth" and enlightening. This was a real eye opener for me. Because of the treatment involved it also helped me better understand the health issues of individuals undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. I will never think of a Hepatitis C or cancer patient the same again. Finally, once again through this book, I came to realize how blessed I am. I can't stop talking about this book and cannot give it enough accolades. In fact, I have bought several copies for gifts. This is a must read!!!