Roberto Canessa on "I Had to Survive" at the 2016 National Book Festival

Roberto Canessa discusses “I Had to Survive: How a Plane Crash in the Andes Inspired My Calling to Save Lives” at the 2016 National Book Festival.
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
On October 12, 1972, a Uruguayan Air Force plane carrying members of the “Old Christians” rugby team-and many of their friends and family members-crashed into the Andes Mountains. I Had to Survive offers a gripping and heartrending recollection of the harrowing brink-of-death experience that propelled survivor Roberto Canessa to become one of the world’s leading pediatric cardiologists.
As he tended to his wounded teammates amidst the devastating carnage of the wreck, rugby player Roberto Canessa, a second-year medical student at the time, realized that no one on earth was luckier: he was alive-and for that, he should be eternally grateful. As the starving group struggled beyond the limits of what seemed possible, Canessa played a key role in safeguarding his fellow survivors, eventually trekking with a companion across the hostile mountain range for help.
This fine line between life and death became the catalyst for the rest of his life.
This uplifting tale of hope and determination, solidarity and ingenuity gives vivid insight into a world famous story. Canessa also draws a unique and fascinating parallel between his work as a doctor performing arduous heart surgeries on infants and unborn babies and the difficult life-changing decisions he was forced to make in the Andes. With grace and humanity, Canessa prompts us to ask ourselves: what do you do when all the odds are stacked against you?
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[@gearoftones8585]

Their story is the most inspirational I've ever heard of. Their will, their faith and their determination is something we should all strive to. I admire them greatly.

[@MVuke84]

Nando was the ultimate hero, arguably best I've heard in human history. Yet people almost forget Roberto climbed that mountain, and walked the entire way step by step with Nando. I'm glad he's talking more and writing books now. We can learn a lot from him. He was a boss just as much as Nando was. Almost unbelievable what they did after 60 days of living like that. Would be awesome to talk to, or meet, either one of these guys if I ever got the chance.

[@nathalietravers]

Roberto is a hero, an incredible strong man, like Nando. Don't forget that Nando lost his mother and sister, in plus, increasing the horror.

[@shapju]

Canessa walked out and was also the doctor, exerted his energies toward the group the entire time. He is just as much a hero as parrado in my eyes.

[@Stephen-ou2lm]

Amazing story, rest in peace to all that didn't make it.

[@peaceandlove544]

​@@shapjuto me he is more of a heroe since day one he was sacrificing himself for others and after the rescue he continued until now saving lifes, helping poor people, creating a foundation for the poor with the families of the non-survivers, winning international rugby games, being their key player and president later.

[@camilapepper]

Yes they did hiked the Andes but they did it because they had the support from those who died and gived their bodies, and those who stayed. Everybody had something to put into that cause. They were all important.

[@winkieblink7625]

These men just don’t understand how in AWE people are of them. I would love to meet them at a reunion.

[@tonyajakestrom3600]

Great personality. Great mind and attitude. His story will stay inspiring forever to all those questioning minds and curious spirits.

[@drightweight1061]

I read the book and can't have enough of this story. The book is beautifully written. I feel inspired, energetic, spiritual and I want to love and enjoy my family now more than ever. Amazing story!

[@chrillebaloo]

My true hero! He and Nando Parrado give their lifes to save there friends!! =)

[@inaayakhan5818]

This guy is a boss!!! Love the positivity and the way he looks at life, glass half full 💯

[@prembyrne6550]

I can't believe this story. Much love to all the survivors, those who passed, and all the families ❤

[@tilthadawn]

All of their stories are so moving. RIP to all of those that didn't make it back from the mountain ;-;

[@patricioclavijo2787]

Love this guy

[@JojoRabbit310]

what an incredible man! so inspiring...i have so much respect for him

[@carlosgarcia8770]

I was only a few years younger , than these boys were in 1972. I have so much respect for them. Inspirational. GOD Bless them.

[@woow83]

I love this guy so much

[@californiahiker9616]

Thank you, Dr Canessa! I would have loved to see all the family reunions after they thought their loved ones had perished!

[@Katwoman4318]

♥️ I’m going to read your book Roberto.

[@rubyeborlas2367]

Both nando & Roberto r so physically strong.. Bt d r stronger psychologically.. And wat I admire more about them s Dat d r both great intellectually& have both great personality.. They're d perfect guys 4 ds experience.. Thanx 4ur lives sir..

[@Lisa1111]

A strong man of God! Thank you ❤

[@Chandra6E5176]

Heroes

[@fumanpoo4725]

Glad you made it home...I like your saying life is simple, but we make it difficult...

[@hussletrees3617]

1:57 guy in the background thinking, "did he just say cannibalism?"

[@bellaperuana64]

Yes,, but really wasn’t cannibalism.. great humans the 16 survivors ❤️

[@debradowner8761]

While I in no way want to experience it, I am curious what it feels like to come out the other side of it, the ones who do interviews seem so light and airy, like they have a value on life that we cannot begin to understand.

[@Dizzer187]

He's an amazing and funny man....I have a great story about how Roberto Canessa and I became friends in Boston if you would like to hear it.

[@gt9188]

I want to read it, not hear.

[@fofefofe3755]

David Allen did he visit boston? I wish if I can meet hin

[@faviolabloisa4696]

I would like to hear or read it .either way thank you

[@EmTheFairy_]

I would love to hear it!

[@peaceandlove544]

Me too, please share

[@wildsnake6894]

God bless them just watched the movie hope all are doing well❤

[@cathyabella8372]

i💖roberto canessa👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💪💪🙏🏼🙌🫶🎉

[@dontrelliommi2607]

not a great interviewer; should have read up on his history

[@carlosgarcia8770]

I was only a few years younger , than these boys were in 1972. I have so much respect for them. Inspirational. GOD Bless them.